SB 1272 raises the maximum family income limit for Oklahoma students to qualify for the Tuition Equalization Grant, a program providing up to $2,000 annually toward college costs. This change directly affects low- and middle-income Oklahoma residents who were previously ineligible due to income thresholds but now meet the updated criteria. The bill amends statute 70 O.S. § 2632 to reflect this higher income limit without altering the grant amount or other eligibility requirements, and it takes effect on July 1, 2026.
SB 1339 establishes a tiered minimum salary schedule for certified school personnel (like teachers) in Oklahoma public schools, based on years of experience and education level. It requires the State Board of Education to allocate state funds annually to school districts to implement these salary increases starting with the 2025-2026 school year. The bill directly affects all Oklahoma public school districts and their certified staff by mandating specific pay thresholds. The schedule includes detailed pay rates for different experience levels and degrees, with provisions for fringe benefits and out-of-state certification recognition.
SB 366 changes Oklahoma's charter school application process by removing the requirement for applicants to first submit proposals to the local school district. Instead, starting July 1, 2025, new charter school applications must be submitted directly to a proposed sponsor (such as a school district board, university, or approved organization). This applies to all new applications filed after July 1, 2024, streamlining the process for charter school developers. Virtual charter schools remain subject to separate submission rules with the Statewide Charter School Board. The bill updates statutory language to reflect this procedural shift.
SB 1782 prohibits the governing boards of eight specific Oklahoma public higher education institutions (including the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, and community colleges) from creating new tenure systems for faculty hired after a certain date. The bill requires these institutions to electronically submit annual data on faculty numbers, tenure status, and graduate assistants to the Oklahoma State Regents by July 31 each year. The State Regents must then forward this data to state officials by September 1. This policy change directly affects faculty employment contracts and tenure eligibility at these institutions, with no new tenure plans permitted for hires after the effective date.
SB 1366 establishes Oklahoma's High Dosage Tutoring Program for K-8 students needing academic support in math or English language arts. The program requires schools to provide in-person tutoring (3 one-hour sessions weekly for 10-12 weeks per semester) and prioritizes districts designated for federal improvement under the Every Student Succeeds Act. Tutors earn bonuses based on student progress - $1,600 per cohort per semester and $1,000 per student achieving half a grade level of growth annually - with conditional participation if growth targets aren't met. The program is funded through the Teacher Empowerment Revolving Fund, mandates parental consent for student participation, and requires schools to report student assessment data to the State Department of Education.
SB 1617 amends Oklahoma law to direct the Teacher Empowerment Revolving Fund to cover the state’s share of additional pay for special education teachers. It requires school districts to pay 5% of base wages for special education teachers, with the state covering the remaining 5% using funds from the existing revolving fund (previously used for other teacher stipends). This policy change, effective July 1, 2026, directly affects all Oklahoma public school teachers certified in special education. The bill ensures the state’s funding obligation is met through the revolving fund rather than new appropriations, aligning with Section 13-110 of state law.
SB 1594 requires Oklahoma school principals to complete specific professional education on special education laws and practices, including federal/state regulations, individualized education programs (IEPs), and student discipline procedures. This applies to all principals seeking or renewing certification, except those who earned their master's degree in education administration before July 1, 2005. The bill amends existing certification rules (Section 6-189) to mandate this training as part of the principal certification requirements. It does not change other existing requirements like master's degrees or teaching experience.
This bill expands Oklahoma's School Security Revolving Fund to cover additional security measures and requires annual allocations for three fiscal years. It directly affects Oklahoma public schools and the State Department of Education, which manages the fund. Key provisions include removing previous spending limits, mandating yearly fund allocations (subject to available money), and specifying that funds must be used for school resource officers, physical security upgrades (like cameras, locks, and ballistic shelters), and mental health counseling services. The bill emphasizes these funds must supplement, not replace, existing school security funding.
SB 1337 adds 90 days of unpaid paternity leave for full-time education employees (like teachers and school staff) in Oklahoma during their child's first year. It allows these employees to take leave without pay for childcare while still receiving full credit toward salary increases and retirement service time. The bill also updates existing leave-sharing programs to include paternity leave eligibility and modifies related revolving funds. This directly affects education employees seeking parental leave, with specific provisions for both maternity and paternity leave under updated statutes. The policy change takes effect immediately due to an emergency declaration.
HB 1484, known as "Rain's Law," requires Oklahoma public schools to provide annual, research-based instruction on fentanyl abuse prevention and drug poisoning awareness to students in grades 6 through 12. The bill mandates that this instruction cover suicide prevention, fentanyl abuse and addiction prevention, local resource access, and health education about fentanyl use. Schools must incorporate this content into health classes, and the State Department of Education will develop curriculum standards and resources to support implementation. The law also designates a week for "Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Week" to align with National Red Ribbon Week, with age-appropriate instruction determined by each school district.
