HB 1277 updates Oklahoma's rules for revoking or suspending educator licenses. It automatically revokes licenses for individuals convicted of specific sexual abuse or exploitation crimes (listed in Oklahoma statutes), expands the grounds for revocation to include willful law violations, child abuse/neglect, moral turpitude, or incompetence, and requires 10 days' written notice before action. The bill applies directly to licensed teachers, principals, school nurses, bus drivers, and other public school staff who work directly with students. It also clarifies that emergency suspensions are limited to defined situations under state law and sets rules for handling certification fees.
HB 2779 redirects $750,000 in state funds from the Department of Public Safety's budget to the School Secure Program. It transfers management of this program from the State Board of Education to the Department of Public Safety. The change takes effect July 1, 2025, and applies to school security funding previously administered by the State Board. This is a procedural budget reallocation, not a new policy.
HB 2259 removes a requirement that military-dependent students must have Oklahoma as their "home of record" to qualify for continuous school transfers within Oklahoma public schools. The bill directly affects military families with children attending Oklahoma schools, streamlining their ability to transfer between schools without proving Oklahoma is their permanent home state. This change simplifies the process by eliminating the "home of record" language from existing transfer eligibility rules. The law took effect on May 29, 2025, after becoming law without the Governor's signature.
HB 2773 allocates $250 million from Oklahoma's Legacy Capital Financing Fund to Oklahoma State University Veterinary Medicine Authority (OSUVMA) for constructing, refurbishing, or expanding animal teaching hospitals and related facilities. The funds become available after July 1, 2026, with repayment structured as 20-year recapitalization payments starting in the 2026 state fiscal year. This bill directly benefits OSUVMA by enabling facility improvements for veterinary education and care, using existing state capital funds without creating new state obligations.
SB 59 exempts certain nonprofit organizations from paying sales tax when purchasing clothing or supplies for students in need. This applies specifically to organizations providing these items directly to students, such as school-based aid programs or community initiatives supporting vulnerable youth. To qualify, organizations must submit required documentation to claim the exemption. The bill amends Oklahoma's sales tax code to add this specific exemption, effective May 29, 2025, after becoming law without the Governor's signature.
HB 2257 creates the Oklahoma National Guard Educational Assistance Program, providing tuition and fee coverage for eligible Oklahoma National Guard members attending Oklahoma colleges. It covers up to 120 credit hours for undergraduate degrees (max 18 credits per semester) and 40 credit hours for master's programs, including mandatory fees and academic service fees. To qualify, members must maintain a 2.0 GPA, hold a military occupational specialty after their first semester, and agree to serve 24 additional months in the Guard after completing their education. Failure to meet service requirements triggers repayment calculations based on the total assistance amount. The program becomes effective November 1, 2025, and is funded through a revolving fund managed by the Military Department and State Regents for Higher Education.
SB 245 creates the Oklahoma High Dosage Tutoring Program for grades K-8, targeting students at least half a grade level behind in math or English language arts. The program requires in-person tutoring (3+ one-hour sessions weekly for 10-12 weeks per semester), with school districts prioritizing federally designated schools under the Every Student Succeeds Act. Tutors earn bonuses based on student progress (e.g., $1,600 per cohort per semester and $1,000 per grade-level improvement), and districts must track student growth using standardized assessments. Funding comes from a new revolving fund in the State Treasury, supported by state appropriations, federal grants, and other designated sources.
HB 1412 changes how Oklahoma school districts compensate teachers with advanced, lead, or master certificates. Instead of providing salary increases, districts must pay stipends using lottery funds (as specified in Section 713 of Title 3A) for these certified educators. The law, signed by the governor on May 23, 2025, directly affects teachers holding these higher-level credentials. It modifies Oklahoma Statutes § 6-190 to require stipends from lottery revenue rather than general salary adjustments.
HB 1075 requires school superintendents to provide written dismissal recommendations for teachers and administrators with specific, documented reasons. If a recommendation involves potential criminal charges or certificate revocation issues, it must be forwarded to the Oklahoma State Board of Education. The bill also mandates that if an investigation clears an educator of wrongdoing, the record is expunged from State Board files. All recommendations are kept confidential under Oklahoma law, with strict rules for handling requests by school districts during employment decisions.
HB 1955 supports Oklahoma teachers seeking National Board certification by expanding financial assistance and recognition. It provides up to $1,800 per teacher annually (covering $1,300 in fees plus a $500 scholarship) for application costs and certification expenses, with repayment required if certification isn’t completed within three years. The bill also establishes a $5,000 annual bonus for 10 years for teachers certified before June 30, 2013, or those who applied before that date, while clarifying that bonus eligibility excludes certain salary increments. Additionally, it mandates free mentorship and training support for participating teachers through university partnerships. The law took effect November 1, 2025.
