SB 2084 caps settlement amounts for wrongful termination claims by employees of Oklahoma public institutions of higher education (like state universities) at two years of their base salary at termination. It limits total settlements to include back pay and damages but excludes accrued unpaid wages, leave, and retirement contributions already earned. The bill specifically applies to state law claims, not federal ones, and takes effect November 1, 2026. This directly affects public university employees filing termination disputes under Oklahoma law.
SB 1633 removes provisions allowing undocumented students to qualify for Oklahoma resident tuition by submitting immigration status applications or affidavits. It eliminates language ensuring these students would not be disqualified from state scholarships or financial aid based on immigration status. The bill aligns Oklahoma’s higher education residency rules with Section 3242.2, which generally prohibits non-residents from receiving resident tuition benefits or state financial aid. This change directly affects students who previously relied on the removed documentation pathways to access in-state tuition rates.
HB 3467 modifies leave policies for education employees in Oklahoma, specifically expanding maternity and adoption leave to cover children under four years old. The bill directly affects public school staff and other education employees who take leave for childbirth or adoption. Its key provision limits eligibility to cases where the child is under four years of age, narrowing the scope of existing leave coverage. The bill was amended to include this age restriction and referred to the Education Oversight committee for further review.
SB 1477 limits concurrent enrollment in college courses to high school students under 21 years of age, prohibiting those 21 or older from participating. The bill amends Oklahoma Statutes Section 628.13 to establish this age restriction, affecting high school students aged 21 and above who would no longer qualify for college course enrollment through their high school program. This change directly alters eligibility for concurrent enrollment, a program allowing students to earn college credit while still in high school. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.
HB 1276 requires Oklahoma public school districts to adopt policies banning student cell phones and personal electronic devices (like tablets, smartwatches, or laptops) during the entire school day and on school grounds, effective July 2025. Exceptions are permitted for medical emergencies documented by a licensed professional. School boards may opt out of the ban through annual approval, but must still allow device use for emergencies. The bill defines "personal electronic devices" to exclude school-issued tech used for instruction and clarifies "school day" as the full instructional period from first to last bell. It directly affects all K-12 students and school districts in Oklahoma.
HB 3242 requires public schools, public higher education institutions, and domestic violence shelters to designate restrooms, changing areas, and sleeping quarters as exclusively for males or females. It prohibits students from sharing sleeping quarters with someone of the opposite sex unless they are family members (e.g., parent, sibling), and mandates single-sex facilities for all shared spaces where undressing occurs. Exceptions include emergencies, maintenance, and coaches entering locker rooms during athletic events under strict conditions (e.g., students fully clothed, accompanied by another adult). Noncompliant schools face a 5% state funding cut, and parents can sue school districts for violations. The law applies to all public K-12 schools, colleges, and shelters operating under state oversight.
HB 4358 limits screen time for prekindergarten through fifth grade public school students to one hour per school day, including all classroom activities using devices like tablets, computers, or smart devices. The law exempts students requiring special education accommodations under IEPs or 504 plans, as well as necessary assistive technology. It applies to all public schools in Oklahoma starting the 2026-2027 school year. The bill defines "screen time" broadly to cover both teacher-directed and student-selected digital activities during school hours.
HB 2978 requires Oklahoma school libraries to select materials based on "community standards" for the population they serve, while explicitly excluding depictions or descriptions of sexually explicit conduct (as defined in Oklahoma law). The bill affects all public school library media programs by changing how they acquire print, digital, and multimedia resources. Key provisions mandate that library collections reflect local community norms for age-appropriate materials, with no inclusion of content meeting the legal definition of sexually explicit conduct. The policy takes effect on November 1, 2026.
HB 3025 modifies Oklahoma school district funding rules for gift, grant, and donation monies. It requires schools to place funds received for building projects (capital expenditures) into a dedicated building fund, not the general fund. For noncapital funds (like operational costs), districts may retain them in the general fund but must wait one year before using them, preventing immediate spending. This affects all Oklahoma public school districts receiving external funds for school operations or construction. The bill clarifies how districts must categorize and manage these funds to ensure proper financial accountability.
SB 1250 requires Oklahoma public school districts and charter schools to annually submit a list of all library materials to the State Department of Education, either through their online catalog or a written attestation. The bill prohibits any pornographic materials or sexualized content from being accessible to students under 18 in school libraries and mandates that schools establish a written policy for reviewing materials and handling complaints. Schools failing to comply face a 5% reduction in state funding, with the State Department of Education investigating reported violations, notifying parents, and allowing schools to request a hearing before the State Board of Education. This law aims to ensure age-appropriate library access while establishing clear reporting and enforcement mechanisms.
