Charter schools; Oklahoma Charter Schools Act; definitions; sponsors may operate charter schools; sectarian and religious institutions as sponsors; effective date.

HB 1226 amends Oklahoma's charter school law to allow religious institutions and sectarian organizations to sponsor charter schools, removing prior prohibitions. It updates definitions to clarify that charter schools (effective July 1, 2024) may be operated by public or private contractors under specific sponsors, including school districts and the Statewide Charter School Board. The bill requires new sponsors to complete 10 hours of training on charter school requirements and mandates the Statewide Charter School Board to maintain a list of approved online courses, prioritizing STEM and advanced subjects. These changes directly affect charter school operators, school districts converting traditional schools, and the Statewide Charter School Board’s oversight responsibilities.