Sen. Adam Pugh

Maddy summarySB 704 requires all Oklahoma public high schools to offer at least four advanced placement (AP) courses starting in the 2024-2025 school year, directly affecting all high school students and school districts in the state. The bill mandates the Statewide Charter School Board to maintain a free online learning platform featuring AP courses (with emphasis on STEM, foreign languages, and AP subjects) available to every Oklahoma student. School districts must provide access through this online platform or other approved options like in-person courses at their schools or other districts. The State Department of Education must also distribute information about AP course opportunities and their benefits to students and parents.

Maddy summarySB 698 modifies when Oklahoma school districts face penalties for exceeding class size limits. It shifts the penalty start date from October 1 to after the first nine weeks of the school year for grades 1-3 and 4-6. This change applies to districts receiving state funds, meaning they won’t be penalized for exceeding limits during the initial nine weeks. The bill does not alter the class size limits themselves (20 students for grades 1-3 and 4-6) or exempt subjects like physical education.

Maddy summarySB 1023 requires Oklahoma state agencies to submit proposed permanent rules to the legislature for approval before they can take effect. Agencies must submit rules by February 1 each year, and the legislature must act on them by the end of the regular session; rules not approved are automatically disapproved. This directly affects state agencies that create regulations, as they can no longer adopt permanent rules without legislative consent. The bill repeals the previous rule adoption process (Section 308.3) and mandates that all permanent rules require a joint resolution approval from both legislative chambers.

Maddy summarySB 849 repeals Oklahoma's existing law (70 O.S. 2021, Section 8-103.1) that allowed dependent children of certain military personnel to transfer schools without residency requirements. This bill directly affects military-connected students and their families by removing a specific transfer provision. The repeal takes effect July 1, 2025, with an emergency declaration allowing immediate implementation upon approval. The bill does not create new policy but eliminates an existing administrative process for military-dependent student transfers.

Maddy summarySB 297 amends Oklahoma's income tax code to adjust how taxable income is calculated. It requires adding interest income from state or local government bonds (which was previously excluded) to taxable income, and allows deductions for income the state cannot tax due to federal or constitutional restrictions. This affects all Oklahoma taxpayers with these specific income types, including individuals and businesses. The bill updates legal references and clarifies how federal tax rules apply to Oklahoma's net operating loss carryovers. The changes take effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summarySB 242 creates Oklahoma's Veterans Entering Teaching (VET) Act, providing tuition and mandatory fee assistance to honorably discharged veterans enrolled in approved teacher preparation programs at Oklahoma public colleges or universities. To qualify, veterans must agree to teach in an Oklahoma school district for three consecutive years after earning their teaching degree, maintain academic progress, and use federal education benefits first. The program covers tuition/fees for degree completion (up to five years post-enrollment) but excludes excess courses, and funds come from a new VET Revolving Fund. Veterans receiving this aid cannot also participate in the Inspired to Teach Program.

Maddy summarySB 292 modifies Oklahoma's individual income tax rates by reducing the highest tax rate from 7% to 6.65% for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2004. This change applies to the portion of income above specific thresholds for both single filers and married couples filing jointly under the standard tax calculation method (Method 1). It directly affects Oklahoma residents and nonresidents who file individual income tax returns using this method. The bill updates the tax code to reflect this rate adjustment for those tax years.

Maddy summarySB 296 expands Oklahoma's existing income tax credit for aerospace sector workers to include certified flight instructors employed in federal training contracts. The bill amends tax code definitions to add "instructor pilot" - defined as FAA-licensed individuals training for federal government contracts who weren't previously in aerospace roles - to the list of eligible workers. This allows these instructors to claim the credit if they hold engineering degrees or licenses, directly affecting qualified instructor pilots in Oklahoma's aerospace industry. The change applies to new hires and transfers between qualified employers, starting January 1, 2024.

Maddy summarySB 285 creates a tax credit for Oklahoma taxpayers who donate to qualifying higher education foundations. Individuals can claim a 50% credit on contributions up to $1,000 (single) or $2,000 (married filing jointly), while businesses can claim up to $100,000. Taxpayers who commit to donating the same amount the following year qualify for a 75% credit instead. Organizations receiving donations must submit annual audited financial reports to the Oklahoma Tax Commission and publicly share program outcomes.

Maddy summarySB 243 creates Oklahoma's School Innovation Grant Program, directing the State Department of Education to provide one-time grants to public school districts for implementing educational innovations. School districts apply with details on their proposed innovation, requested funding for curriculum/equipment, and success metrics, with grants distributed based on district size (40% to districts under 1,000 students, 30% each to medium and large districts). Funding comes from a new School Innovation Revolving Fund, and recipients must report on the innovation's impact after one year. The bill establishes a formal application process, review criteria, and reporting requirements without specifying outcomes.