Rep. Dick Lowe

Maddy summaryThis 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.

Maddy summarySB 1893, the "Teacher Shortage Reduction Act," creates new graduation recognition and college designations to support future educators. It requires Oklahoma high schools to award a graduation "education endorsement" to students who meet specific criteria: earning a standard diploma, identifying teaching as a career goal in their academic plan, and completing an education-related apprenticeship, internship, or mentorship. For students earning this endorsement and 30+ college credits or an associate degree through concurrent enrollment, the Oklahoma State Regents must award an "education designation" on their college diploma and transcript. This designation guarantees acceptance into a college of education and grants credit for prior field experience, directly affecting high school students and higher education institutions starting with the 2027-2028 graduating class.

Maddy summaryHB 3032 requires parents or guardians to submit a completed free/reduced-price meal application or an opt-out form during school enrollment for any minor child in Oklahoma public schools. School districts must provide these forms at enrollment and include clear notice that either document is needed for attendance each year, unless the student is automatically qualified under federal law. The bill exempts schools participating in the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) and students already certified for free meals through federal processes. It takes effect July 1, 2026, and was designated an emergency measure.

Maddy summaryHB 3022 establishes new rules for non-certified adjunct teachers in Oklahoma public schools. It prohibits these teachers from serving as full-time or part-time classroom instructors for core subjects (math, science, English, social studies) in prekindergarten through sixth grade, while requiring them to hold at least a high school diploma. The bill mandates the State Board of Education to create salary guidelines specifically for part-time noncertified adjunct teachers. This directly affects school districts hiring non-certified staff for limited roles and sets clear boundaries for their classroom responsibilities.

Maddy summaryHB 3023, the Strong Readers Act, requires annual reading screenings for all kindergarten through third-grade students in Oklahoma public schools to identify reading deficiencies. Students not meeting grade-level targets must receive tailored intervention plans within 15 days, including evidence-based instruction in phonological awareness, decoding, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Third-grade students who do not meet benchmarks face mandatory retention unless they qualify for exceptions or participate in tutoring or summer academies. The bill mandates approved screening tools, weekly progress reporting to the State Department of Education, and exemptions for students with disabilities, English language learners, or those using Braille/sign language.

Maddy summaryHB 3033 establishes new minimum salary requirements for certified school staff in Oklahoma public schools, effective for the 2025-2026 school year. The bill sets a detailed pay schedule based on years of experience and education level (e.g., bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees), specifying minimum annual amounts for both salary and fringe benefits like retirement. It requires school districts to meet these minimums, with specific rules for crediting out-of-state teaching experience and military service. The law directly affects all certified teachers and support staff in Oklahoma’s public school districts.

Maddy summaryThis bill, HB 3034, formally establishes the "Oklahoma Education Reform Act of 2026" as a standalone legal title. It does not create new educational policies or change existing laws but serves as a procedural measure to name and organize the legislation. The bill sets the effective date for the act as November 1, 2026, allowing time for implementation of related reforms. It affects the state's education system by providing a formal framework for future legislative actions under this title.

Maddy summaryHB 3159, titled the "Oklahoma Education Reform Act of 2026," is a procedural bill that names the legislation and sets its effective date. It does not establish new policy provisions or directly affect any specific groups, as it is structured as a non-codified act (meaning it won't be included in Oklahoma's official statutes). The bill solely designates the name for future education reform legislation and specifies November 1, 2026, as its effective date. This is a routine naming and scheduling measure, not a substantive policy change.

Maddy summaryHB 3167 is a procedural bill that names the "Oklahoma Agriculture Act of 2026" and sets its effective date as November 1, 2026. It does not create new policies or affect specific groups, as it only establishes the act's name and implementation timeline. The bill is classified as noncodified, meaning it will not be added to Oklahoma's official statutes. This is a standard naming and effective date measure with no substantive provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 3158 is a procedural bill that formally names the "Oklahoma Education Reform Act of 2026" and sets its effective date as November 1, 2026. The bill contains no substantive policy changes or mechanisms; it merely establishes the name for future legislation and specifies that it will not be codified in the Oklahoma Statutes. This is a naming act only, not a policy reform, and does not affect any individuals or create new obligations. It was introduced on February 2, 2026, and referred to the Rules Committee.