Sen. Adam Pugh

Maddy summarySB 706 removes restrictions on Oklahoma school districts' ability to carry over unused general fund money from one fiscal year to the next and eliminates penalties for exceeding previous spending limits. It directly affects all public school districts by updating funding rules in statutes (70 O.S. §§ 1-117 and 18-200.1) to allow districts greater flexibility in managing operating funds. The bill amends language defining "general fund" and repeals prior limitations on carryover amounts and penalties. This change simplifies financial administration without altering how districts receive state aid or fund capital projects.

Maddy summarySB 1189 requires Oklahoma's School Security Revolving Fund to allocate $50 million annually for three fiscal years (starting July 2026) to all public school districts equally. It removes previous spending limits on the fund and mandates that these funds supplement, not replace, existing school security funding. The bill directs funds toward security measures like resource officers, cameras, locks, and panic systems. It takes effect July 1, 2026, with an emergency declaration to expedite implementation. This directly affects all Oklahoma public school districts through guaranteed annual security funding.

Maddy summaryHB 4420, the Strong Readers Act, requires annual reading screenings for all kindergarten through third-grade students in Oklahoma public schools to identify reading deficiencies. It mandates scientifically based reading instruction (banning the "three-cueing system" model), requires intensive intervention for students who don’t meet grade-level standards, and allows third-grade retention unless a "good cause" exemption applies. The bill also establishes summer reading academies, teacher training requirements, and parent notification protocols for reading progress. These provisions directly affect K-3 students, their schools, and educators, with implementation beginning in the 2025-2026 school year.

Maddy summaryHB 4153 requires minors under 18 in Oklahoma to demonstrate eighth-grade reading proficiency to obtain a driver's license or permit. This is primarily achieved by passing the state's eighth-grade reading assessment, completing a remedial plan if they fail, or using an approved alternative test (offered at public schools and other sites, with a $25 fee for retests). The bill also mandates that applicants show proof of school enrollment, graduation, or a valid exemption - such as a special education plan or affidavit for homeschooled students - unless they pass the reading test. Exceptions include out-of-state test results (verified by the state) and specific accommodations for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). These requirements apply to all new or renewed licenses for minors, with the Department of Public Safety denying applications that lack required documentation.

Maddy summarySB 1193 removes restrictions on how much money Oklahoma school districts can carry over from one year's general fund to the next and eliminates penalties for exceeding previous carryover limits. It also removes a rule that previously blocked districts with per-pupil revenue over 300% of the average from receiving state aid. The bill updates the state's school funding formula to reflect these changes, allowing districts more flexibility with their budgets. This directly affects all Oklahoma public school districts by changing how their state aid is calculated and distributed.

Maddy summarySB 1339 establishes a tiered minimum salary schedule for certified school personnel (like teachers) in Oklahoma public schools, based on years of experience and education level. It requires the State Board of Education to allocate state funds annually to school districts to implement these salary increases starting with the 2025-2026 school year. The bill directly affects all Oklahoma public school districts and their certified staff by mandating specific pay thresholds. The schedule includes detailed pay rates for different experience levels and degrees, with provisions for fringe benefits and out-of-state certification recognition.

Maddy summarySB 2052 requires commercial motor vehicle operators in Oklahoma to carry specific identification, such as a valid driver's license and vehicle details, while operating their vehicles. This bill directly affects commercial drivers and trucking operations by making failure to possess required ID a violation punishable by an administrative fine. Key provisions include updating traffic enforcement procedures to mandate ID verification during stops and creating clear administrative penalties for non-compliance. The law modifies existing traffic statutes (47 O.S. Sections 6-111, 6-126.1, and 6-126.2) to standardize enforcement and fines for this specific offense. It does not change release-on-personal-recognizance rules for traffic violations but adds ID possession as a new requirement for commercial drivers.

Maddy summarySB 1617 amends Oklahoma law to direct the Teacher Empowerment Revolving Fund to cover the state’s share of additional pay for special education teachers. It requires school districts to pay 5% of base wages for special education teachers, with the state covering the remaining 5% using funds from the existing revolving fund (previously used for other teacher stipends). This policy change, effective July 1, 2026, directly affects all Oklahoma public school teachers certified in special education. The bill ensures the state’s funding obligation is met through the revolving fund rather than new appropriations, aligning with Section 13-110 of state law.

Maddy summarySB 1718 requires Oklahoma's State Department of Education to create the Oklahoma Principal Leadership Development Program, directly affecting new school principals (first or second year) and all certified principals. The program implements three phased requirements: starting in 2026-2027, principals must complete a professional development plan including goals for student achievement and school climate; by 2027-2028, new principals must work with certified mentors for two years; and by 2028-2029, a year-long leadership academy will be developed. Principals who complete these requirements receive $5,000 stipends beginning in 2029-2030, subject to funding availability. The bill aims to improve principal effectiveness through structured training, mentorship, and ongoing leadership development.

Maddy summarySB 2048 amends Oklahoma's State Travel Reimbursement Act to authorize the Statewide Charter School Board to contract for travel expenses like meals, lodging, and conference costs for employees or approved personnel. It requires state agencies - including the Charter School Board - to electronically submit quarterly or monthly reports on these expenditures to state leadership. The bill also limits travel costs to existing daily reimbursement rates and mandates direct payments to vendors for approved expenses. This change applies to all state agencies using the travel reimbursement system, with an emergency effective date.