SB 706 removes restrictions on Oklahoma school districts' ability to carry over unused general fund money from one fiscal year to the next and eliminates penalties for exceeding previous spending limits. It directly affects all public school districts by updating funding rules in statutes (70 O.S. §§ 1-117 and 18-200.1) to allow districts greater flexibility in managing operating funds. The bill amends language defining "general fund" and repeals prior limitations on carryover amounts and penalties. This change simplifies financial administration without altering how districts receive state aid or fund capital projects.
SB 1189 requires Oklahoma's School Security Revolving Fund to allocate $50 million annually for three fiscal years (starting July 2026) to all public school districts equally. It removes previous spending limits on the fund and mandates that these funds supplement, not replace, existing school security funding. The bill directs funds toward security measures like resource officers, cameras, locks, and panic systems. It takes effect July 1, 2026, with an emergency declaration to expedite implementation. This directly affects all Oklahoma public school districts through guaranteed annual security funding.
HB 3026 requires Oklahoma school districts to create a specific policy allowing children of U.S. allied military members stationed at Oklahoma bases (like Fort Sill or Tinker AFB) to enroll in kindergarten if they will turn age 5 during the school year, rather than needing to turn 5 by September 1. This changes the standard age cutoff for kindergarten eligibility for these military dependents. School districts must adopt this policy to accommodate families who may have moved to Oklahoma mid-year due to military assignments. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, and is designated as an emergency measure.
SB 1193 removes restrictions on how much money Oklahoma school districts can carry over from one year's general fund to the next and eliminates penalties for exceeding previous carryover limits. It also removes a rule that previously blocked districts with per-pupil revenue over 300% of the average from receiving state aid. The bill updates the state's school funding formula to reflect these changes, allowing districts more flexibility with their budgets. This directly affects all Oklahoma public school districts by changing how their state aid is calculated and distributed.
SB 1272 raises the maximum family income limit for Oklahoma students to qualify for the Tuition Equalization Grant, a program providing up to $2,000 annually toward college costs. This change directly affects low- and middle-income Oklahoma residents who were previously ineligible due to income thresholds but now meet the updated criteria. The bill amends statute 70 O.S. § 2632 to reflect this higher income limit without altering the grant amount or other eligibility requirements, and it takes effect on July 1, 2026.
SB 1339 establishes a tiered minimum salary schedule for certified school personnel (like teachers) in Oklahoma public schools, based on years of experience and education level. It requires the State Board of Education to allocate state funds annually to school districts to implement these salary increases starting with the 2025-2026 school year. The bill directly affects all Oklahoma public school districts and their certified staff by mandating specific pay thresholds. The schedule includes detailed pay rates for different experience levels and degrees, with provisions for fringe benefits and out-of-state certification recognition.
SB 366 changes Oklahoma's charter school application process by removing the requirement for applicants to first submit proposals to the local school district. Instead, starting July 1, 2025, new charter school applications must be submitted directly to a proposed sponsor (such as a school district board, university, or approved organization). This applies to all new applications filed after July 1, 2024, streamlining the process for charter school developers. Virtual charter schools remain subject to separate submission rules with the Statewide Charter School Board. The bill updates statutory language to reflect this procedural shift.
SB 1617 amends Oklahoma law to direct the Teacher Empowerment Revolving Fund to cover the state’s share of additional pay for special education teachers. It requires school districts to pay 5% of base wages for special education teachers, with the state covering the remaining 5% using funds from the existing revolving fund (previously used for other teacher stipends). This policy change, effective July 1, 2026, directly affects all Oklahoma public school teachers certified in special education. The bill ensures the state’s funding obligation is met through the revolving fund rather than new appropriations, aligning with Section 13-110 of state law.
SB 1718 requires Oklahoma's State Department of Education to create the Oklahoma Principal Leadership Development Program, directly affecting new school principals (first or second year) and all certified principals. The program implements three phased requirements: starting in 2026-2027, principals must complete a professional development plan including goals for student achievement and school climate; by 2027-2028, new principals must work with certified mentors for two years; and by 2028-2029, a year-long leadership academy will be developed. Principals who complete these requirements receive $5,000 stipends beginning in 2029-2030, subject to funding availability. The bill aims to improve principal effectiveness through structured training, mentorship, and ongoing leadership development.
SB 1594 requires Oklahoma school principals to complete specific professional education on special education laws and practices, including federal/state regulations, individualized education programs (IEPs), and student discipline procedures. This applies to all principals seeking or renewing certification, except those who earned their master's degree in education administration before July 1, 2005. The bill amends existing certification rules (Section 6-189) to mandate this training as part of the principal certification requirements. It does not change other existing requirements like master's degrees or teaching experience.
