This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to establish the "Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust Fund" for Oklahoma's tobacco settlement funds. It requires that at least 75% of new tobacco settlement payments (after 2001) be deposited into this trust fund, with specific percentages increasing over time. The trust fund's earnings must be used for cancer research, tobacco prevention programs, children's health initiatives, senior care programs, and education-related expenses, with unused funds remaining in the trust. The amendment creates two governing boards to manage investments and allocate funds, and it would require voter approval before taking effect.
This Senate Resolution officially designates the week of May 4 through 8, 2026, as Teacher Appreciation Week in Oklahoma. The measure honors the state's approximately 42,556 educators who teach over 686,000 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. By issuing this formal recognition, the bill acknowledges the significant contributions teachers make to student development and the education system. The resolution does not alter laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to celebrate the profession.
This bill allows Oklahoma public colleges and universities to consider an applicant's status as a survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre or a verified descendant of someone harmed by the event during the admissions process. The legislation defines specific criteria for who qualifies, including those who experienced physical injury, property destruction, forced displacement, or financial loss directly resulting from the 1921 events, and requires applicants to provide verifiable documentation through designated organizations. The bill explicitly states that this consideration must be applied in a race-neutral manner consistent with federal law and does not create quotas, set-asides, or mandatory preferences for any applicant.
This document is a floor amendment to Senate Bill 215, which would establish the Oklahoma Math Achievement and Proficiency Act to improve mathematics instruction in the state. The amendment proposes three specific changes: replacing a requirement for a minimum number of resources with a list, updating the school year reference from 2025-2026 to 2026-2027, and changing language about student identification from testing positive to being identified with characteristics. These adjustments modify how the bill defines requirements and timelines for mathematics education programs affecting Oklahoma schools. The bill has not yet been enacted as conference committee members were unable to reach an agreement on the final version.
This resolution acknowledges the Oklahoma Youth Expo and congratulates student participants in the 2026 event. It recognizes the contributions of 4-H and FFA students who compete in agricultural exhibitions and specifically honors the Ag Mechanics and Engineering Contest champions for their projects. The bill serves as a formal commendation without changing any laws or policies, simply celebrating the achievements of youth involved in Oklahoma's agricultural education programs.
This bill is a resolution that officially designates April 2026 as National Poetry Month in Oklahoma. It encourages public officials, educators, librarians, and residents to celebrate poetry through ceremonies, activities, and programs during the month. The measure recognizes poetry's role in education, culture, and community development, following the national tradition established by the Academy of American Poets. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or regulations but serves to promote awareness and appreciation of poetry within the state.
HB 1896, titled the Oklahoma Tourniquet Availability Act of 2025, establishes a new law requiring tourniquets to be available in schools across Oklahoma. The bill directly affects school districts and administrators by mandating the presence of these medical devices for emergency bleeding control. The law does not specify exact placement requirements or training mandates, but it sets a baseline availability standard for educational facilities. This legislation becomes effective on November 1, 2025, and is not codified in the Oklahoma Statutes.
This bill establishes and clarifies the Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program in Oklahoma, allowing parents of students with special needs to use state funds to enroll their children in eligible private schools. The legislation defines specific eligibility criteria, including students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), children of military families, and those in foster care or juvenile justice placements, while requiring parents to secure private school admission before receiving funding. It also sets a 45-day deadline for school districts to determine special education eligibility, deeming students eligible for scholarships if the district fails to decide within that timeframe, and outlines financial responsibilities such as transportation costs remaining with the family. The bill ensures continuity of educational choice by allowing scholarships to remain active until a student graduates, turns 22, or re-enrolls in public school, while mandating that private schools meet state accreditation standards to participate.
This bill modifies Oklahoma's existing laws regarding where licensed individuals may carry firearms, expanding the places where concealed carry is permitted while maintaining restrictions in high-security areas. It allows licensed gun owners to carry firearms on public parking lots, sidewalks, and adjacent areas to prohibited buildings, and permits school personnel with specific security or law enforcement credentials to carry handguns on school property. The legislation also authorizes private schools to adopt policies allowing licensed individuals to carry weapons on their grounds and vehicles, and permits concealed carry at municipal zoos and parks managed by public trusts or nonprofits. The bill clarifies that property owners and event organizers retain the right to prohibit firearms in specific locations and establishes misdemeanor penalties for violations of the new restrictions.
HB 1449, the Vaccine Mandate Prohibition Act, bans covered entities - including state agencies, hospitals, schools, and businesses receiving public funds - from requiring SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19 vaccines for employment, licensure, education, or access to facilities. It also prohibits discrimination against unvaccinated employees and shields compliant entities from civil liability related to vaccine exposure claims. The bill directly affects employers, educational institutions, and healthcare providers that previously enforced vaccine mandates. It takes immediate effect under an emergency declaration, removing legal barriers for entities to stop requiring such vaccines.
