SB 1374, the Thrive Act, provides state funding reimbursement for school meal programs in Oklahoma. It applies to school districts with 40% or more students qualifying for free meals (based on federal eligibility criteria) that choose to participate in the federal community eligibility program. Starting in the 2027-2028 school year, these districts receive tiered state reimbursements per meal: 100% for districts under 2,000 students, 90% for 2,000-10,000 students, and 80% for districts over 10,000 students. The law also requires the State Department of Education to evaluate the program’s impact every three years starting in 2028.
HB 2092 requires Oklahoma public, charter, and private schools meeting specific poverty thresholds to participate in the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for school meals. Schools with at least 25% "identified students" (children in programs like SNAP, TANF, or homeless programs) must join CEP, which provides free meals to all students without individual applications. School districts must group schools to maximize eligibility, though schools already offering universal free meals are exempt. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, aligning Oklahoma with the federal Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010.
HB 1128 allocates $12 million from Oklahoma's General Revenue Fund to expand the School Counselor Corps program under the State Department of Education. This funding directly supports public schools by enabling the hiring or retention of additional school counselors. The bill requires the Department to create rules for implementing the expanded program, with funds available for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The measure becomes effective July 1, 2025, to immediately address counselor staffing needs in Oklahoma schools.
SB 1017 allows Oklahoma's Medicaid program to cover educationally necessary school-based services for students with disabilities, directly affecting K-12 public schools and Medicaid-eligible students. The bill defines "educationally necessary" services (like classroom support) separately from medically necessary ones (e.g., physical therapy), requiring these services to be attached to an Individualized Education Program (IEP) rather than included in the IEP itself. It prohibits the Oklahoma Health Care Authority from expanding this definition or covering non-educational health services like eye exams or flu shots. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, and applies to students under 21 receiving a free and appropriate public education.
SB 1373, the "Healthy Meals for Healthy Kids Act," requires public school districts and charter schools in Oklahoma to offer free breakfast and lunch to all students during each school day, with schools operating under tribal or Bureau of Indian Affairs authority allowed to participate. It mandates at least 20 minutes of seated lunch time for students in kindergarten through fifth grade and directs the State Department of Education to establish a grant program using federal meal reimbursement differences to fund meal quality improvements. School food authorities must maximize federal funding by adopting the USDA's "community eligibility provision" and use grant funds for food, equipment, or training to upgrade meals. The bill directly affects all participating Oklahoma schools and students, aiming to expand free meal access while leveraging federal reimbursement rates to support program costs.
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 219 requires all Oklahoma public school districts and charter schools to provide free tampons and sanitary napkins in restrooms designated for female use or single-occupancy facilities. The law mandates this availability at no cost to students, directly affecting schools and students who menstruate. It becomes effective July 1, 2025, and was declared an emergency to take immediate effect upon passage. The bill defines "menstrual products" specifically as tampons and sanitary napkins for menstrual cycle use.
HB 2047, the Emerson Kate Cole Act, updates Oklahoma school medication policies to improve safety for students with allergies and asthma. It requires school districts to adopt policies allowing students to self-administer prescribed asthma inhalers, epinephrine for allergic reactions, and cystic fibrosis medications, with written parental permission and physician documentation. Key provisions include mandating annual staff training on recognizing allergic reactions and administering epinephrine, requiring schools to notify parents after medication use, and specifying protocols for stocking and using epinephrine injectors (including 911 contact procedures). The bill also creates model policies for districts to follow and clarifies that schools and staff incur no liability for medication administration under these guidelines. This law, effective May 14, 2025, directly affects public school districts, students with chronic conditions, and their families.
HB 1523 would create a pilot program allowing Oklahoma public schools to offer virtual mental health services through telehealth. The State Department of Education must develop this program, with schools able to opt in by applying. Key provisions include requiring parental consent before services, limiting initial funding to $25,000, and defining "health benefit plan" per existing state law. The pilot aims to improve student mental health access without mandating participation. (Note: The bill was withdrawn from committee on February 19, 2025.)
SB 28 requires Oklahoma school districts to provide free meals to students from households with annual income below 250% of the federal poverty level during the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years. It directly affects low-income students in public schools by expanding free meal eligibility beyond current federal standards. The bill mandates state funding apportionment through the State Board of Education to cover these meal costs. It takes effect July 1, 2025, and was declared an emergency to ensure immediate implementation.
