Technology

SB 387 updates the definition of "eligible student" for Oklahoma's STEM Intern Partnership Program, expanding eligibility to include students enrolled in technology center schools under the State Board of Career and Technology Education - previously limited to university students. This change directly affects tech center students and organizations seeking to hire them for industry internships through the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST). The bill requires applicant organizations to secure 50% non-state funding for projects and ensures internships provide real-world tech experience with measurable outcomes. It becomes effective November 1, 2025, after passing the legislature and receiving gubernatorial approval in May 2025.

SB 410 requires Oklahoma public high school students in grades 8-12 to complete a computer science unit to earn a standard diploma starting with the 2024-2025 school year. This replaces the previous requirement for two world language units with a new computer technology course requirement covering programming, hardware, and business applications like spreadsheets. The bill mandates that this unit must be approved for college admission and excludes basic keyboarding or typing courses. It directly affects all students pursuing standard diplomas in Oklahoma public high schools under the updated graduation requirements.

SB 179 requires all Oklahoma state agencies to manage their own information technology and cybersecurity services starting from its effective date. It directs the transfer of all prior IT and cybersecurity data from the dissolved Information Services Division to each agency and mandates annual electronic reports to the Governor and Chief Information Officer detailing IT status, security events, and related information. The bill also dissolves the existing Information Services Division within the Office of Management and Enterprise Services and updates related statutes to align with these changes. This directly affects state agencies, shifting IT management responsibilities from a centralized division to individual departments.