Rep. Chad Caldwell

Maddy summaryHB 1286 sets minimum requirements for Oklahoma public school instruction time, mandating at least 180 days or 1,080 hours annually. It specifically allows school districts to use up to 10 virtual days per year for limited reasons like inclement weather, staff shortages, or building maintenance - requiring districts to notify the State Board of Education by October 15. If virtual days exceed the limit, schools must switch to in-person instruction, and districts must maintain policies for students without internet access. The bill also requires annual audits of compliance and reports on student achievement impacts for districts using flexible scheduling options.

Maddy summaryHB 1291 is a procedural bill that names the "Oklahoma Contracts Act of 2025" and sets its effective date as November 1, 2025. It does not establish new contract rules or affect any specific groups, as it only creates a formal title for future legislation. The bill contains no substantive policy provisions or mechanisms beyond naming the act and specifying its implementation date. It is currently in the early stages of review (first reading, referred to Rules committee) and has no described impact on existing contracts or businesses. This is a routine naming and effective date bill with no direct policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 1284 requires parents or guardians of students transferring into Oklahoma public schools from another state or school to sign a written affidavit certifying the student has not been investigated for or committed violent acts or acts showing reckless disregard for safety. This applies specifically to students seeking enrollment in public schools within Oklahoma, directly affecting incoming students and their families. The bill mandates this affidavit as a condition for enrollment, preventing schools from admitting students who have not met this requirement. It does not change existing suspension policies but adds this new verification step for student transfers.

Maddy summaryHB 1285 requires Oklahoma public school districts to list textbooks, library materials, and digital learning content (including social-emotional learning resources) on a new online portal starting in the 2026-2027 school year. The portal must allow parents to search, review, and comment on materials their children might encounter, with features like ISBN tracking and reading-level alignment. School districts must upload this information annually, while the State Department of Education will moderate public comments and oversee the system. The bill mandates these changes to increase parental access to school curricula, effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1288 updates Oklahoma's requirements for alternative education programs serving students in grades 7-12 who are at risk of not graduating. It requires school districts to implement programs meeting specific standards (like smaller class sizes, certified teachers, individualized plans, and life skills instruction) and explicitly includes designated charter and virtual charter schools in this system. The bill establishes funding based on student enrollment, allows full-time virtual or blended learning options, and mandates performance reporting. It also creates a separate evaluation framework for designated alternative education programs and prohibits using state funds to replace existing district resources.

Maddy summaryHB 1283 creates the Educators' Professional Liability Insurance Program, providing all public and charter school employees in Oklahoma (including part-time staff) with automatic liability coverage up to $2 million per incident. The program, administered by the Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES), requires OMES to select insurers through competitive bidding or establish a self-insured pool, with costs covered by annual state appropriations. School districts and OMES must notify eligible employees in writing at hire and annually about this automatic coverage. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025, and does not alter existing tort claims laws or school district obligations.

Maddy summaryHB 1285 requires Oklahoma school districts to create or use an online portal where parents can access, review, and comment on curriculum materials their children may encounter. The portal must include textbooks, library books, instructional content (including social-emotional learning materials), and digital learning resources, with features like searchability by school district, ISBN tracking, and reading-level alignment. School districts must begin uploading these materials to the portal starting in the 2026-2027 school year. The Oklahoma State Department of Education will oversee the portal's implementation and may establish rules to support it.

Maddy summaryHB 1289 bans Oklahoma public universities from requiring applicants, employees, students, or contractors to endorse specific ideologies or provide statements about race, politics, or diversity initiatives (like DEI efforts). It prohibits institutions from forcing such disclosures or using them for preferential treatment in admissions, hiring, or promotions. The bill creates a legal right for affected individuals to sue for injunctive relief, including reinstating jobs, enrollment, or promotions if violated. It explicitly excludes academic research, anti-discrimination compliance requirements, and voluntary disclosures from the ban. The law applies to all institutions within Oklahoma’s public higher education system.

Maddy summaryHB 1286 sets Oklahoma's minimum school year requirements (180 days or 1,080 hours annually) and establishes rules for virtual instruction. It allows public school districts and charter schools to use up to 10 virtual days per year only for specific reasons like inclement weather, staff illness, or building issues, requiring notification to the State Department of Education within 72 hours. Schools exceeding the 10-day limit must switch to in-person instruction, and districts must provide internet access policies for students without it. The bill directly affects all Oklahoma public school districts and charter schools, mandating compliance with these attendance and virtual instruction standards.

Maddy summaryHB 1291 is a procedural bill that establishes the name "Oklahoma Contracts Act of 2025" for future legislation and sets its effective date as November 1, 2025. It does not create new legal requirements or affect any individuals, businesses, or government operations. The bill serves solely to name a future act and specify its implementation timeline. As a naming and effective date provision, it contains no substantive policy changes. This is a routine procedural step, not a policy bill.