Education

died · Oklahoma · House Feb 19, 2026

HB 4149: Strong Readers Act; references; legislative findings; declaring intent of the Legislature; reading screenings; reading deficiencies; parent notifications; State Department of Education; reading panel; alternate reading assessments; promotion to fourth grade; retaining third grade; good-cause exemptions; intensive reading instruction; intensive acceleration class; reporting requirements; teacher training requirements; eighth-grade reading level; driver license; remedial reading for driver licenses; alternative reading proficiency tests; motorcycle licenses; testing site requirements; documentation requirements; out of state test results; school enrollment, completion, or lawful excuse for minors to obtain a driver license; violations; alternate route to obtain driver license; employer fines; attendance officers; Department of Public Safety; license cancellation; definitions; exceptions; forms; effective date; emergency.

HB 4149, the Strong Readers Act, requires Oklahoma public schools to screen all kindergarten through third-grade students for reading proficiency three times yearly using state-approved tools. It prohibits the "three-cueing system" (meaning/structure/visual cues) in reading instruction and mandates evidence-based teaching methods focused on phonological awareness, decoding, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Students who do not meet grade-level reading standards may be retained in third grade, with schools required to provide intensive reading instruction, notify parents, and establish acceleration classes for retained students. The law aims to ensure students achieve grade-level reading proficiency by the end of third grade through standardized assessments and targeted support.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates evidence-based reading instruction and screenings for K-3, prohibits ineffective methods (three-cueing system), and requires retention for non-proficient students to improve literacy outcomes in K-12 schools.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education Teachers

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died · Oklahoma · House Feb 6, 2026

HB 4288: Schools; authorizing the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to create an alternative education pilot program for out-of-school suspended students; effective date.

HB 4288 authorizes Oklahoma's Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to create a pilot program offering alternative education for students suspended from school for more than 14 days. The program must include therapy and restorative practices in daily instruction, allowing students to continue participating after their suspension ends. School districts can develop reintegration plans to help students return to regular classes and activities, with up to 10% of annual alternative education funds designated for this pilot. The bill applies directly to suspended students and school districts, effective November 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill uses restorative practices and therapy to address school suspensions, preventing school-to-prison pipeline and reducing recidivism - aligning with criminal justice reform indicators.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill creates alternative education program with therapy/restorative practices for suspended students, enabling reintegration and continued learning. Expands educational access and support for at-risk students, directly advancing K-12 educational a...95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates therapy and mental health services within an alternative education program for suspended students, directly advancing mental health support as part of healthcare services.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health Mental Health Substance Abuse

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in committee · Oklahoma · House Feb 3, 2026

HB 3023: Strong Readers Act; reading screenings; screening instruments; intervention plan implementation and reporting; Reading Proficiency Team; State Department of Education; benchmarks; literacy coaches; retention, tutoring, and re-screening options for first and second grade students; mandatory retention for third grade students who do not meet certain benchmarks; exceptions; tutoring and summer academy options; alternative placement teaching certificates; adjunct teachers; prohibitions; effective date; emergency.

HB 3023, the Strong Readers Act, requires annual reading screenings for all kindergarten through third-grade students in Oklahoma public schools to identify reading deficiencies. Students not meeting grade-level targets must receive tailored intervention plans within 15 days, including evidence-based instruction in phonological awareness, decoding, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Third-grade students who do not meet benchmarks face mandatory retention unless they qualify for exceptions or participate in tutoring or summer academies. The bill mandates approved screening tools, weekly progress reporting to the State Department of Education, and exemptions for students with disabilities, English language learners, or those using Braille/sign language.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates reading screenings, evidence-based interventions, and literacy support for K-3 students to improve literacy outcomes, directly advancing K-12 educational standards and student proficiency.90% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

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in committee · Oklahoma · House Feb 3, 2026

HB 3939: Appropriations; workforce development; effective date; emergency.

HB 3939 allocates $10 million from Oklahoma's General Revenue Fund to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for workforce development programs in the Tulsa Metropolitan area. The funds will contract with a nonprofit focused on charitable and educational work to partner with schools and agencies, aiming to eliminate barriers to equitable opportunities and economic mobility for all students. The bill directs these programs to include workshops and initiatives specifically targeting student access to economic advancement. It becomes effective July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $10M from General Revenue Fund for workforce development programs, increasing public service funding per Budget & Taxes indicators.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationAllocates $10M for workforce programs partnering with schools to eliminate barriers and improve student access via workshops targeting educational equity.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentAllocates $10M for workforce development programs targeting equitable opportunities and economic mobility in Tulsa, directly advancing employment standards through skills training and access initiatives.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue Workforce Development

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died · Oklahoma · House Feb 19, 2026

HB 4158: Higher education; Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Grant; increasing income cap; effective date; emergency.

HB 4158 increases the income threshold for Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Grants from $50,000 to $80,000 annually for students' parents (or $80,000 for independent students). This change directly affects Oklahoma residents whose family income previously exceeded $50,000 but now qualifies them for the $2,000 annual grant. The bill amends existing eligibility rules under Section 2632 of Oklahoma law, maintaining other requirements like full-time enrollment and institutional accreditation. It takes effect July 1, 2026, with emergency status.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationIncreases grant eligibility for higher education, expanding access to $2,000 annual aid for families earning up to $80k, directly funding student affordability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

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in committee · Oklahoma · House Feb 3, 2026

HB 3956: Higher education; waiver of tuition and fees for permanently disabled veterans; effective date; emergency.

HB 3956 waives tuition and fees at Oklahoma public colleges and universities for veterans who were honorably discharged and certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs with a 100% permanent disability directly related to military service (including injury, accident, or disease incurred during active duty). The bill requires VA certification of the disability as the sole eligibility criterion. It takes effect July 1, 2026, and is designated as an emergency measure. This policy change directly affects qualifying veterans seeking higher education within Oklahoma's public system, removing financial barriers for this specific group.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationWaives tuition/fees for disabled veterans at public colleges, enhancing higher education access for a specific group through direct funding support.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill waives tuition/fees for permanently disabled veterans, expanding educational benefits and directly supporting veterans' access to higher education.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Healthcare

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in committee · Oklahoma · House Feb 3, 2026

HB 3009: Schools; Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit Program; credit amount; notice; effective date; emergency.

HB 3009 amends Oklahoma's Parental Choice Tax Credit Program to increase and adjust tax credits for families using private schools or alternative education. It sets income-based credit limits: up to $7,500 annually for households earning under $75,000, decreasing to $5,000 for those earning over $250,000. The credit covers qualified expenses like private school tuition, tutoring, textbooks, and standardized test fees for eligible students (Oklahoma residents in accredited private schools or alternative education programs). Taxpayers must submit receipts to claim the credit, which applies to tax years 2024 and beyond. The bill directly affects Oklahoma parents, guardians, and students enrolled in qualifying educational settings.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases tax credits for lower/middle-income families (up to $7,500 under $75k), providing targeted tax relief under income-based limits.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands educational access via tax credits for private K-12 education, increasing financial support for eligible families' qualified expenses like tuition and textbooks.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Higher Education School Choice Testing & Assessment

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died · Oklahoma · House Feb 10, 2026

HB 3677: Schools; Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit Program; Oklahoma Tax Commission; website; effective date.

HB 3677 amends Oklahoma's Parental Choice Tax Credit Program to expand tax credits for families using private education. It directly affects Oklahoma taxpayers with eligible students attending accredited private schools or certain alternative education programs. The bill establishes income-based credit amounts (ranging from $5,000 to $7,500 annually), covers tuition, tutoring, materials, and assessments, and adds special provisions for schools serving homeless students or financially disadvantaged students. The Oklahoma Tax Commission must publish monthly updates on the program via its website, with the changes effective for tax year 2024 and beyond.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands tax credits for private education, providing income-based tax relief for families, aligning with tax relief indicators for middle-income taxpayers.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands educational access via tax credits for private school tuition, materials, and assessments, increasing family choice in education options.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Higher Education School Choice

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in committee · Oklahoma · Senate Feb 3, 2026

SB 2070: Charter schools; adding requirements to charter school application; requiring annual oversight and performance review. Effective date. Emergency.

SB 2070 strengthens oversight of Oklahoma charter schools by adding detailed requirements for new applications and annual performance reviews. It mandates 10 hours of state-approved training for applicants and sponsors before submitting applications, and requires 34 specific items in applications - including financial plans, academic alignment, disability support plans, and organizational charts. The bill also requires sponsors to conduct annual performance reviews, post summaries on their websites, and include specific data in reports to the Statewide Charter School Board. These changes directly affect charter school applicants, sponsors, and governing boards by increasing transparency and accountability in school operations.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationStrengthens charter school oversight via detailed application requirements and annual performance reviews, enhancing accountability in K-12 education.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Choice

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in committee · Oklahoma · Senate Feb 3, 2026

SB 1811: School Safety and Bullying Prevention Act; requiring certain policies relating to discipline and bullying. Effective date. Emergency.

SB 1811, the School Safety and Bullying Prevention Act, requires Oklahoma school districts to adopt detailed policies addressing bullying and discipline. These policies must include procedures for reporting bullying (including anonymous options, with no disciplinary action based solely on anonymous reports), prohibit zero-tolerance disciplinary approaches, and explicitly recognize students' right to use reasonable physical force for self-defense or to protect others from bullying. The bill also mandates annual policy notices to parents and students, staff training on bullying prevention, and referrals to support programs for both victims and perpetrators.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires anti-bullying policies, prohibits zero-tolerance discipline, and protects students' safety rights, enhancing school environment for learning.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety Student Health

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