HB 1601, the "ARCHER Act," extends maternity leave protections for eligible public school teachers in Oklahoma. It amends existing sick leave rules (70 O.S. § 6-104.8) to require school districts to provide extended leave for teachers who have worked at least 1,250 hours in the past year, specifically covering pregnancy-related needs beyond standard sick leave. The bill creates a dedicated exception to current sick leave policies, ensuring teachers can take leave for maternity without losing pay, aligning with federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) standards. This directly affects full-time classroom teachers in public school districts who meet the employment threshold. The law became effective after Governor approval on May 6, 2025.
SB 1214 requires Oklahoma public school districts serving grades 6-12 to implement specific, age-appropriate curricula on sex trafficking prevention and social media safety. The bill mandates that schools teach a 90-minute unit for grades 6-8 and a 135-minute unit for grades 9-12, covering topics like trafficking definitions, local laws, victim profiling, online risks, and prevention strategies. Schools must provide parents written notice 7 days in advance and post the curriculum online. The State Department of Education must develop and make available free, updated curriculum materials, a supporting video, and resources for schools. This directly affects all Oklahoma public schools and students in grades 6 through 12.
SB 790 requires Oklahoma public school districts and charter schools to develop and implement programs teaching 10 specific character traits (such as respect, integrity, responsibility, and courage) as part of their curriculum for grades pre-K through 12. The State Department of Education must create a website with resources including approved programs, an honor roll for schools with successful implementations, and a reading list of character-focused books. Schools must consult committees of parents, teachers, and community members before adopting the program, and the State Board of Education may award limited grants ($1,000 each to 10 districts) for pilot projects aligning character education with core subjects. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.
HB 2247 requires Oklahoma's State Department of Education to develop specific standards implementing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act's (IDEA) "least restrictive environment" principle. This ensures students with disabilities are not unnecessarily excluded from regular classrooms in public schools. The bill mandates these standards be created by the Department and becomes effective November 1, 2025. It directly affects students with special needs and the State Department of Education, focusing solely on establishing procedural requirements for classroom inclusion under IDEA.
SB 508 expands existing whistleblower protections for Oklahoma teachers to include school support staff (like cafeteria workers, custodians, and administrative aides). It prohibits school districts from disciplining these employees for reporting violations of law, the Oklahoma Constitution, or safety concerns - whether disclosed directly to supervisors, school boards, or state education officials. Schools must prominently post this protection policy, while still respecting student privacy under FERPA. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and is designated an emergency measure.
HB 2749 creates a special fund called the Intergenerational Education Revolving Fund within the Oklahoma Health Care Authority. It establishes a competitive grant program to connect nursing facilities participating in Oklahoma's Medicaid program with public school districts for collaborative intergenerational education initiatives. Grant awards, provided as rate adjustments to qualifying facilities, will fund these partnerships. The program begins July 1, 2025, with funds limited to the total amount deposited into the revolving fund.
SB 1128 appropriates $100,000 from unallocated state funds to the Oklahoma State Board of Education for fiscal year 2026. It directly affects the State Board of Education by providing funding for duties required by law. The bill declares an emergency to make it effective immediately upon approval, though it specifies funds come from "monies not otherwise appropriated." The bill failed to pass on May 22, 2025, with 42 votes in favor and 48 against.
SB 189 establishes updated minimum salary schedules for certified school personnel (like teachers) in Oklahoma public schools, effective for the 2023-2024 school year. It directly affects teachers in school districts receiving Foundation Aid, Salary Incentive Aid, or neither type of aid, requiring districts to meet these new pay rates using existing state funds. The bill specifies detailed salary amounts based on years of experience and education level (e.g., bachelor’s vs. master’s degrees), with amounts ranging from $39,601 to $60,395 annually. It also clarifies that "fringe benefits" exclude certain retirement contributions and requires districts to notify teachers if salaries fall below the minimums. The bill is designated as an emergency measure.
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 2246 requires Oklahoma's State Department of Education to develop specific standards for implementing the "least restrictive environment" requirement under federal special education law (IDEA). These standards aim to ensure students with disabilities are not unnecessarily excluded from general education classrooms. The bill directly affects students with special needs in Oklahoma public schools by mandating that the state create clear guidelines for inclusive classroom placement. The standards must be developed by the State Department of Education and take effect on November 1, 2025. The bill does not change existing federal law but directs Oklahoma to create its own implementation framework.
