HB 3016 requires Oklahoma schools to provide binocular vision screenings for students in kindergarten, first, and third grades to identify convergence insufficiency (a vision disorder affecting near focus). Screenings, conducted within 30 days of the school year start by trained school nurses or vision professionals, must be performed in addition to existing vision screenings. The bill establishes a Binocular Screening Revolving Fund in the state treasury to cover program costs using state appropriations, which must supplement - rather than replace - current school vision funding. The program begins in the 2026-2027 school year.
HB 3076 creates a pilot program for alternative teacher certification pathways in Oklahoma, allowing organizations like school districts or colleges to offer non-traditional teacher preparation programs. It requires the State Board of Education Commission to approve providers meeting specific criteria (such as financial stability, infrastructure, and program effectiveness) within 60 days, and mandates that approved programs use research-based methods to prepare teachers. The bill permits teacher candidates to demonstrate competency through non-traditional means like work experience or industry certifications, rather than solely standardized tests. The pilot program is limited to a two-year timeframe ending July 1, 2026, and requires annual reporting on program success rates.
HB 4274 removes residency requirements for children of active-duty military personnel seeking to transfer schools within Oklahoma. It requires school districts to accept these students as "in-district" for enrollment purposes without needing proof of local residence, treating them as if they live within the district. Eligibility requires the student's parent to have a Department of Defense ID and either reside with a relative in the district or plan to move there within six months. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, and mandates districts to accept electronic enrollment applications and maintain special education services for these students.
SB 201 establishes a mandatory minimum salary schedule for Oklahoma public school teachers beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. It sets specific annual salary floors based on years of experience and education level (e.g., $50,000 for a bachelor's degree with 0 experience), requiring school districts to meet these amounts through salary or fringe benefits. The bill defines "fringe benefits" to include retirement contributions (excluding certain state-mandated portions) and mandates written notice to teachers if districts propose salaries below the minimum. It also standardizes how teaching experience (including out-of-state, military, or Department of Defense service) is counted for salary increments, while prohibiting credit for more than five years of such experience.
SB 244 establishes the Program of American Civic Thought and Leadership at the University of Oklahoma (OU). It creates a new academic program focused on teaching American political principles, leadership, civic engagement, and foundational texts of U.S. history and government through courses for students. The program will hire faculty, develop new majors/minors, and offer courses including an upcoming requirement for all OU students to complete a civic knowledge course. It requires annual strategic plans and reports to state leadership, with initial courses launching in fall 2027. The program will operate independently on OU's Norman campus, funded by state appropriations and donations.
SB 1975 requires Oklahoma public school districts to make Advanced Placement (AP) exams available to any student residing in the district and to post exam dates, registration details, and procedures on their websites by August 31 each year. It also mandates the Statewide Charter School Board to maintain an online learning platform offering AP courses, STEM subjects, foreign languages, and other high-quality courses for all Oklahoma students. The State Department of Education must provide information to students and parents about AP courses and their benefits for college readiness, scholarships, and financial aid opportunities. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.
This document is a floor amendment to Senate Bill 215, which would establish the Oklahoma Math Achievement and Proficiency Act to improve mathematics instruction in the state. The amendment proposes three specific changes: replacing a requirement for a minimum number of resources with a list, updating the school year reference from 2025-2026 to 2026-2027, and changing language about student identification from testing positive to being identified with characteristics. These adjustments modify how the bill defines requirements and timelines for mathematics education programs affecting Oklahoma schools. The bill has not yet been enacted as conference committee members were unable to reach an agreement on the final version.
HB 1590 establishes the "Oklahoma Education Infrastructure Linked Deposit Program" to provide reduced-rate loans for school infrastructure projects. It directly affects charter schools and nonprofit education service entities by enabling them to access funding for constructing, expanding, or repairing buildings and integrated systems like HVAC. The program works by having the State Treasurer place state funds (as certificates of deposit) with eligible banks, which then offer these low-cost loans to qualifying schools, requiring borrowers to certify funds will be used solely for infrastructure. The State Treasurer and Board review applications, with banks applying standard credit checks and prioritizing schools based on local educational needs.
HB 3372 creates a state-backed loan program to help charter schools fund capital expenses like building repairs or equipment. It establishes a revolving fund administered by the Statewide Charter School Board, allowing charter schools to access low-interest loans and issue bonds with state credit enhancement. The bill removes previous prohibitions on charter schools issuing bonds and requires participants to pay a one-time fee. This directly affects Oklahoma charter schools seeking financing for physical infrastructure, while the state manages repayment and fund operations through specific legislative appropriations.
HB 3705 increases Oklahoma's Parental Choice Tax Credit Program, allowing taxpayers to claim credits for education expenses of eligible students. The bill raises the maximum annual credit for private school tuition to $7,500 (or actual tuition, whichever is lower) for families earning under $75,000, with tiered reductions up to $5,000 for households earning over $250,000. It also creates special credit tiers for students experiencing homelessness ($7,500) and those at financially disadvantaged private schools (maximum credit based on average school costs). Qualified expenses include tuition, tutoring, textbooks, and standardized test fees, but exclude scholarship-funded amounts. This directly affects Oklahoma families choosing private education or approved alternative learning programs.
