Rep. Dick Lowe

Maddy summaryHB 1304 requires Oklahoma public high schools to include one year of computer science curriculum as part of graduation requirements for students in grades 8-12 during the 2024-2025 school year. It mandates that students complete two units of computer technology or computer science courses (including programming and business applications like spreadsheets) instead of traditional language requirements. The bill also adds requirements for history/social studies standards to include content from the U.S. naturalization test and emphasizes civics education. These changes apply to students earning standard diplomas under the new curriculum framework.

Maddy summarySB 141 requires Oklahoma's State Board of Education to issue a request for proposals by November 1, 2025, for a new statewide student information system. The system must meet specific technical standards (like standardized data formats and interoperability protocols) to track student enrollment, test data, and funding allocations. It directly affects all Oklahoma public school districts, which must transition to using this system starting July 1, 2027. The State Department of Education must implement the selected system by July 1, 2027, providing necessary training and data conversion support to school districts.

Maddy summarySB 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.

Maddy summarySB 189 establishes new minimum salary schedules for certified personnel (like teachers) in Oklahoma public schools, based on years of experience and education level (e.g., $39,601 for a bachelor’s degree with 0 years of experience). It requires school districts receiving state funding to allocate designated funds to implement these salary increases, directing state appropriations for this purpose. The bill also mandates that districts provide written notice to teachers if retirement benefits would result in salaries below the new minimums. This law takes effect immediately as an emergency measure.

Maddy summaryHB 1305 regulates student athletes' name, image, and likeness (NIL) activities at Oklahoma postsecondary institutions. It requires schools to provide mandatory financial literacy education (either a 5-hour workshop or a credit course covering budgeting, taxes, contracts, and debt management) before athletes can engage in NIL deals, and prohibits institutions from charging athletes for related financial services. The bill also restricts athletes from signing NIL contracts that conflict with school policies or harm the institution's reputation, and bans promotional content in financial education. These requirements apply directly to student athletes participating in intercollegiate sports at Oklahoma colleges and universities.

Maddy summaryHB 1305 requires Oklahoma colleges and universities to implement financial literacy education for student athletes engaging in name, image, and likeness (NIL) activities. It mandates either five hours of workshops or a credit-bearing course covering budgeting, taxes, contracts, and debt management - excluding promotional content - within the first two semesters of NIL participation. The bill also restricts student athletes from signing NIL deals that conflict with school policies, harm institutional reputation, or extend beyond their athletic eligibility period. Additionally, institutions must provide free contract review and financial support services through third parties or staff, prohibiting fees or sales pitches for financial products.

Maddy summaryHB 1532 is a procedural bill that names the "Education Reform Act of 2025" and sets its effective date as November 1, 2025. It does not establish new policies, programs, or funding mechanisms - it only provides the official title and implementation date for future education legislation. The bill has not yet advanced beyond committee referral (referred to Rules on February 4, 2025). As a naming and effective date measure, it directly affects how subsequent education-related bills will be referenced but does not alter current education law.

Maddy summaryHB 1526, titled the "Education Reform Act of 2025," is a procedural bill that establishes the name of the legislation and sets its effective date. It does not describe any substantive policy changes, educational reforms, or mechanisms affecting schools, students, or educators. The bill solely names the act and specifies that it takes effect on November 1, 2025. No further details about the reform provisions are provided in the text. As a naming and effective date bill, it has no direct policy impact beyond its own citation and implementation timeline.

Maddy summaryHB 1524 establishes the name "Oklahoma Revenue and Taxation Act of 2025" for future tax legislation and sets its effective date as November 1, 2025. This procedural bill does not change current tax laws or affect any specific taxpayers; it simply creates a title for pending or future tax-related bills. The legislation will not be codified in Oklahoma Statutes but will serve as a reference for upcoming tax measures. It has no direct policy impact beyond naming conventions and timing.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Education Reform Act of 2025 as a new legal title but does not create any substantive policy changes or provisions. It sets an effective date of November 1, 2025, for the act's implementation. The legislation is procedural in nature, primarily serving to name and date the reform framework without altering existing education laws.