HB 2256 creates a revolving fund in the Oklahoma State Treasury called the "Apprentice Scholarship Program Revolving Fund" to support high school graduates entering approved apprenticeship programs in technical trades. The fund, financed by state appropriations and private donations, will allow the Oklahoma State Board of Career and Technology Education to award annual competitive grants covering tuition and fees for eligible students. These grants are specifically for graduates enrolling in federally approved apprenticeship programs through Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committees. The program becomes effective November 1, 2025, with the Board setting application criteria and rules for distribution.
HB 1771 re-creates the Oklahoma Educational Television Authority (OETA) with a sunset provision ending its operation on July 1, 2026. The bill establishes a 13-member board including university presidents, education leaders, and seven Governor-appointed members (representing congressional districts or statewide). It specifies membership qualifications, terms, and operational rules, such as requiring a majority of appointed members to be actively engaged in education and mandating quarterly meetings. The Authority, deemed an essential state function, will operate without member compensation but with travel expense reimbursement. This procedural bill directly affects Oklahoma's public educational television operations and governance structure until the 2026 sunset date.
HB 1762 requires online services targeting Oklahoma children (defined as under 18) to conduct data protection impact assessments and design products in the "best interest of children." It prohibits covered entities (online services processing children's data) from using "dark patterns" to manipulate choices, collecting excessive data, or processing data in ways that could cause physical, emotional, or privacy harm. The law mandates age-appropriate default privacy settings, bans selling or sharing precise geolocation data without consent, and clarifies that de-identified data or public information is excluded. It explicitly states the law does not create private lawsuits for violations or apply to services not reasonably likely to be accessed by children.
HB 2410 increases Oklahoma's annual cap for affordable housing tax credits from $4 million to $10 million per year through December 2029, then reverts to $4 million annually after 2029. It directly affects developers of qualifying affordable housing projects and investors who claim tax credits for these projects. The bill ties Oklahoma's tax credits to federal low-income housing credits, limits credits to projects placed in service after July 2015, and requires eligibility statements from the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency to claim credits. Credits cannot reduce tax liability below zero and must be claimed with tax returns, with unused credits carryable forward for two years.
HB 1395 creates a tax credit program for Oklahoma parents or guardians paying eligible education costs for students. It allows taxpayers to claim credits of up to $7,500 annually (based on family income) for private school tuition, academic tutoring, textbooks, and standardized test fees for students attending accredited private schools or alternative education programs. The credit amount decreases as household income rises, with special provisions for schools serving homeless students or financially disadvantaged students (requiring 90% of enrollment to qualify based on income thresholds). This bill directly affects Oklahoma families choosing private education or alternative learning options, reducing their state income tax liability for qualifying education expenses.
HB 1545, the "County Fair Modernization Act," requires members of Oklahoma County Free Fair Association Boards of Directors to attend at least 50% of all regular and special meetings over any four consecutive meetings, or they will lose their position. The bill directly affects county fair board members who miss excessive meetings, ensuring active participation in governance. It also recommends a voluntary online training course through Oklahoma State University’s extension office to help board members better serve their roles. The law takes effect November 1, 2025.
HB 2920 creates a new Office of Tribal Relations within the Oklahoma Historical Society. The office must gather, preserve, and organize all tribal-state compacts and agreements into a public archive, accessible both electronically and physically. It is required to provide updated electronic copies of this archive to all state legislators by December 1 of even-numbered years and physical copies after each gubernatorial election. The bill directly affects tribal governments and state agencies by establishing a formal process for documenting and sharing tribal-state agreements. It takes effect on November 1, 2025.
HB 2246 requires Oklahoma's State Department of Education to develop specific standards for implementing the "least restrictive environment" requirement under federal special education law (IDEA). These standards aim to ensure students with disabilities are not unnecessarily excluded from general education classrooms. The bill directly affects students with special needs in Oklahoma public schools by mandating that the state create clear guidelines for inclusive classroom placement. The standards must be developed by the State Department of Education and take effect on November 1, 2025. The bill does not change existing federal law but directs Oklahoma to create its own implementation framework.
HB 1026 makes it a misdemeanor to assault security officers, private investigators, or bail enforcers while they are performing their licensed duties. The law specifically applies when these professionals are wearing identifiable uniforms, badges, or proof of employment during lawful work. Conviction carries penalties of up to one year in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both. The bill would take effect November 1, 2025, and is codified in Oklahoma Statutes Title 21, Section 650.12.
HB 2018 amends Oklahoma law to include physical therapists and occupational therapists employed full-time in schools within the legal definition of "teacher" for benefit purposes. This means these professionals, who must hold current certifications and state licenses, will now receive the same legal protections and benefits as certified teachers in school districts. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and applies specifically to school-employed therapists meeting the certification requirements.
HB 1456 allows registered Oklahoma voters or candidates to sue in the state's name when election officials fail to enforce election laws. It requires a written demand to the official within one year of discovering a violation, with a lawsuit filed within six months if the official doesn’t act. If successful, the state receives most of any award, but the suing voter or candidate gets 30% plus their legal fees. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025, and is currently under review by the Civil Judiciary committee.
HB 1489 amends Oklahoma's charter school application process to require applicants to demonstrate community support within the proposed school's geographic area. It adds specific criteria for sponsors to evaluate charter school replication proposals, including evidence of academic success, financial viability, and the ability to replicate successful programs without harming existing schools. The bill also mandates 10 hours of training for both applicants and sponsors on charter school requirements, to be provided by the Statewide Charter School Board. These changes apply to all new charter school applications filed after July 1, 2024, directly affecting charter school applicants, sponsors, and community members.
