HB 1335 sets conditions for retirement benefit increases for retirees in seven Oklahoma public pension systems (including Firefighters, Police, Judges, Law Enforcement, Teachers, and Public Employees). It requires a 4% benefit increase for eligible retirees if the retirement system's funded ratio (assets relative to liabilities) remains at least 80% after the increase; otherwise, a 2% increase applies. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025, and applies to retirees not receiving benefits under specific prior provisions. It does not create new benefits but ties increases to the financial health of each retirement fund.
HB 3550 establishes a minimum salary schedule for Oklahoma public school teachers based on experience and education levels, starting with the 2025-2026 school year. Beginning in 2026-2027, the minimum salaries will automatically increase each year based on the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) compared to 2025, but no adjustment will occur if the CPI declines. The State Board of Education must calculate and announce the annual adjustment by April 1 each year, posting it on their website. This bill directly affects all Oklahoma public school teachers covered by the minimum salary schedule, ensuring their base pay adjusts annually for inflation.
HB 1590 establishes the "Oklahoma Education Infrastructure Linked Deposit Program" to provide reduced-rate loans for school infrastructure projects. It directly affects charter schools and nonprofit education service entities by enabling them to access funding for constructing, expanding, or repairing buildings and integrated systems like HVAC. The program works by having the State Treasurer place state funds (as certificates of deposit) with eligible banks, which then offer these low-cost loans to qualifying schools, requiring borrowers to certify funds will be used solely for infrastructure. The State Treasurer and Board review applications, with banks applying standard credit checks and prioritizing schools based on local educational needs.
SB 247 creates the "Fund Students, Not Systems Education Savings Account Program" in Oklahoma, allowing eligible students (ages 5-18, including some with disabilities) to receive state education funds for qualified expenses. The State Department of Education calculates ESA amounts based on each student’s school district’s state aid factors, then transfers funds quarterly to cover approved costs like tuition, textbooks, therapy, and field trips. Families apply annually by April 1 to choose participating schools (public, private, charter, or homeschool), with funds restricted to specific educational services listed in the bill. The program aims to provide parental choice while requiring no new oversight for private schools or homeschools, though it does not change public school funding levels.
SB 1340 raises income eligibility limits for Oklahoma's Higher Learning Access Program, directly affecting low-income students seeking college benefits. Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, the bill increases the maximum parent federal adjusted gross income for qualification to $60,000 (for families with two or fewer children), $70,000 (three or four children), and $80,000 (five or more children). This updates previous thresholds that were lower for earlier school years. The change expands access to the program by allowing more students from middle-income families to qualify for benefits like tuition assistance.
HB 1986 increases retirement benefits by 2% for eligible retirees in six Oklahoma public pension systems: Firefighters, Police, Judges, Law Enforcement, Teachers, and Public Employees. The benefit increase applies to those receiving payments as of June 30, 2025, and continuing after July 1, 2025, with specific calculations based on years of service (up to 30 years). The bill codifies these changes and takes effect November 1, 2025. It does not affect retirees whose benefits were already adjusted under prior provisions.
HB 1904 increases retirement benefits for certain Oklahoma teachers. It provides a 50% automatic benefit increase starting July 2025 to retirees who, at the time of retirement, had their maximum compensation level capped at $25,000 for calculating retirement benefits. This applies specifically to those receiving Teachers' Retirement System benefits as of June 30, 2025, and continuing after July 1, 2025. The change takes effect July 1, 2025, as specified in the bill.
HB 4310 amends Oklahoma's bond oversight rules to redirect fees collected from bond issuances into the State Treasurer's Revolving Fund. It requires the Council of Bond Oversight to charge fees for approved bonds, with proceeds accruing to the State Treasurer's fund instead of the existing Bond Oversight Revolving Fund. The bill transfers all funds currently in the Bond Oversight Revolving Fund to the State Treasurer's fund and repeals the outdated section establishing the former fund. This changes fund management but does not alter bond approval criteria or project review processes. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.
SB 28 requires Oklahoma school districts to provide free meals to students from households with annual income below 250% of the federal poverty level during the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years. It directly affects low-income students in public schools by expanding free meal eligibility beyond current federal standards. The bill mandates state funding apportionment through the State Board of Education to cover these meal costs. It takes effect July 1, 2025, and was declared an emergency to ensure immediate implementation.
HB 3077 amends Oklahoma's Higher Learning Access Program to provide state funding covering 100% of resident tuition and 50% of fees for eligible students at public colleges, private accredited Oklahoma colleges, and career training programs. It adds a five-year limit on program benefits (starting from first enrollment), excludes remedial noncredit courses, and prioritizes continuing students over new applicants for funding. The bill also requires the State Regents to establish maximum course limits and consider other financial aid when awarding benefits, effective July 1, 2026.
