Schools; modifying date after which penalties are to be applied for exceeding class size limitations. Effective date. Emergency.

SB 698 modifies Oklahoma's school class size rules by delaying penalties for exceeding limits until after October 1 each school year. It directly affects public school districts in grades 1-6, which previously faced immediate funding penalties for oversized classes. The bill removes the State Board of Education's authority to set penalty dates and maintains exemptions for physical education, music, career classes, and library science. School districts exceeding limits after October 1 will not face reduced state funding, though they must still submit compliance reports.