Teachers; Return to Teach Signing Bonus Act; emergency.

HB 1281 creates a $35,000 signing bonus program for classroom teachers and school counselors returning to Oklahoma public schools after leaving the state. To qualify, applicants must have at least three years of prior teaching/counseling experience (with valid certification), not have worked in an Oklahoma public school within the past year, and agree to teach full-time for five years. The bonus is paid annually after verification of continued employment, with repayment required if the five-year commitment is broken or if application information is false. The bonus amount is excluded from salary calculations for minimum pay scales and retirement benefits. This bill directly affects educators seeking to rejoin Oklahoma public schools, aiming to address staffing needs through financial incentives.