SB 59 exempts certain nonprofit organizations from paying sales tax when purchasing clothing or supplies for students in need. This applies specifically to organizations providing these items directly to students, such as school-based aid programs or community initiatives supporting vulnerable youth. To qualify, organizations must submit required documentation to claim the exemption. The bill amends Oklahoma's sales tax code to add this specific exemption, effective May 29, 2025, after becoming law without the Governor's signature.
HB 2257 creates the Oklahoma National Guard Educational Assistance Program, providing tuition and fee coverage for eligible Oklahoma National Guard members attending Oklahoma colleges. It covers up to 120 credit hours for undergraduate degrees (max 18 credits per semester) and 40 credit hours for master's programs, including mandatory fees and academic service fees. To qualify, members must maintain a 2.0 GPA, hold a military occupational specialty after their first semester, and agree to serve 24 additional months in the Guard after completing their education. Failure to meet service requirements triggers repayment calculations based on the total assistance amount. The program becomes effective November 1, 2025, and is funded through a revolving fund managed by the Military Department and State Regents for Higher Education.
SB 841, the "Strong Readers Act," modifies how the Statewide Literacy Revolving Fund is used and changes training requirements for students in teacher preparation programs. It directs funds toward literacy programs supporting K-12 students and requires teacher candidates to complete specific literacy instruction training before certification. The bill affects school districts, literacy programs, and teacher education institutions by altering funding allocation and educator preparation standards. Signed into law on May 23, 2025, it takes effect immediately as an emergency measure.
HB 1412 changes how Oklahoma school districts compensate teachers with advanced, lead, or master certificates. Instead of providing salary increases, districts must pay stipends using lottery funds (as specified in Section 713 of Title 3A) for these certified educators. The law, signed by the governor on May 23, 2025, directly affects teachers holding these higher-level credentials. It modifies Oklahoma Statutes § 6-190 to require stipends from lottery revenue rather than general salary adjustments.
HB 1075 requires school superintendents to provide written dismissal recommendations for teachers and administrators with specific, documented reasons. If a recommendation involves potential criminal charges or certificate revocation issues, it must be forwarded to the Oklahoma State Board of Education. The bill also mandates that if an investigation clears an educator of wrongdoing, the record is expunged from State Board files. All recommendations are kept confidential under Oklahoma law, with strict rules for handling requests by school districts during employment decisions.
HB 1955 supports Oklahoma teachers seeking National Board certification by expanding financial assistance and recognition. It provides up to $1,800 per teacher annually (covering $1,300 in fees plus a $500 scholarship) for application costs and certification expenses, with repayment required if certification isn’t completed within three years. The bill also establishes a $5,000 annual bonus for 10 years for teachers certified before June 30, 2013, or those who applied before that date, while clarifying that bonus eligibility excludes certain salary increments. Additionally, it mandates free mentorship and training support for participating teachers through university partnerships. The law took effect November 1, 2025.
SB 1128 appropriates $100,000 from unallocated state funds to the Oklahoma State Board of Education for fiscal year 2026. It directly affects the State Board of Education by providing funding for duties required by law. The bill declares an emergency to make it effective immediately upon approval, though it specifies funds come from "monies not otherwise appropriated." The bill failed to pass on May 22, 2025, with 42 votes in favor and 48 against.
HB 2854 allows Oklahoma's public higher education institutions to modify their program offerings to address unmet workforce needs, beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year. It specifically updates provisions for the University Center at Ponca City (involving Northern Oklahoma College) and a new campus in Muskogee (serving Connors State College and Northeastern State University), removing Northern Oklahoma College's exclusive authority over lower-division courses at Ponca City starting in 2026. The bill establishes separate boards of trustees for each center to manage operations, budgets, and program approvals. These changes apply to institutions within the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education and directly affect students seeking accessible degree programs in those communities. The legislation focuses on expanding educational access and program flexibility without altering tuition or state funding mechanisms.
HB 1466 modifies Oklahoma's school accreditation process to provide school districts with clearer due process rights when facing potential accreditation loss. It requires the State Department of Education to notify districts within 10 working days if accreditation recommendations are made, giving them 10 days to request a formal hearing before the State Board of Education. The bill mandates that hearings must occur within 30 days of a request, with specific procedures for evidence presentation, legal representation, and written rulings. Districts failing to request a hearing or comply with accreditation standards within 90 days after a ruling risk losing accreditation. This directly affects public school districts in Oklahoma by establishing a more structured appeal process for accreditation decisions.
HB 2047, the Emerson Kate Cole Act, updates Oklahoma school medication policies to improve safety for students with allergies and asthma. It requires school districts to adopt policies allowing students to self-administer prescribed asthma inhalers, epinephrine for allergic reactions, and cystic fibrosis medications, with written parental permission and physician documentation. Key provisions include mandating annual staff training on recognizing allergic reactions and administering epinephrine, requiring schools to notify parents after medication use, and specifying protocols for stocking and using epinephrine injectors (including 911 contact procedures). The bill also creates model policies for districts to follow and clarifies that schools and staff incur no liability for medication administration under these guidelines. This law, effective May 14, 2025, directly affects public school districts, students with chronic conditions, and their families.
