Teachers; removing cap on credits for out-of-state teaching; requiring the State Board of Education to recognize out-of-state teaching experience for minimum salary schedule purposes; effective date; emergency.

HB 4349 removes the 5-year cap on counting out-of-state teaching experience for salary purposes in Oklahoma public schools. It requires the State Board of Education to recognize all years of out-of-state teaching experience (from accredited districts) when determining teacher salary placements under the state's minimum salary schedule. This change directly affects teachers moving to Oklahoma from other states or countries, allowing them to receive full credit for all prior teaching years toward their salary tier rather than being limited to five years. The bill updates existing salary schedule rules to eliminate this restriction, effective upon enactment.