SB 174 increases retirement benefits for Oklahoma teachers currently receiving payments from the Teachers’ Retirement System as of June 30, 2025. It provides a 0% increase for retirees with less than two years of retirement, 2% for those retired two to five years, and 4% for retirees with five or more years of retirement as of that date. The bill directly affects current retirees based on their retirement duration, not new retirees. Benefits are calculated as of June 30, 2025, and apply to those continuing to receive payments after the law takes effect. The bill codifies this benefit structure into Oklahoma Statutes.
SB 1869 restructures Oklahoma's Educational Television Authority (OETA) by removing its designation as an "essential" state function, altering its governance, and prohibiting the transfer of state funds to it. The bill redirects specific OETA funds to the new "Healthy Parks Healthy Minds Fund" and transfers certain OETA facilities to the Office of Management and Enterprise Services. It also repeals 16 existing sections of law governing OETA, simplifying its legal framework. These changes take effect July 1, 2026, with the bill declared an emergency.
This bill requires all licensed child care facilities in Oklahoma to remove materials containing content about sexual orientation or gender identity from their premises. It directly affects licensed child care centers, preschools, and similar facilities operating under Oklahoma law. Facilities found violating this rule after a complaint and investigation may face corrective or administrative actions by the Department of Human Services. The law takes effect on November 1, 2025.
HB 1980, the Oklahoma Higher Education Fair Admissions Act, prohibits public colleges and universities from asking prospective online students about their past criminal records if those students will not reside on campus during their enrollment. The bill also bans institutions from inquiring about an applicant's juvenile behavioral history. These restrictions apply specifically to students enrolled exclusively in online programs, with the Oklahoma Regents for Higher Education responsible for enforcement and potential penalties for violations, including fines or loss of state funding. The law aims to remove barriers for certain students seeking higher education access.
SB 1006 prohibits Oklahoma state agencies from requiring or implementing programs that mandate preferential treatment based on race, color, sex, ethnicity, or national origin. It specifically bans agencies from forcing employees or applicants to participate in diversity training, providing diversity statements, or signing loyalty oaths favoring specific groups. Violations trigger a budget penalty: the legislature must reduce the agency's funding by 1% or require a 1% deposit into the General Revenue Fund the following year. The bill directly affects all state agencies, including higher education (via the Oklahoma State Regents), and takes effect November 1, 2025.
SCR 11 is a concurrent resolution expressing the Oklahoma Legislature's intent to reduce the individual income tax rate by 0.25% for taxpayers. It directly affects all Oklahomans who pay individual income tax, aiming to return revenue to citizens while maintaining fiscal responsibility. The resolution urges state agencies to eliminate budget waste - particularly for unfilled positions - and protect core services like education and public safety during potential spending reductions. It does not enact a tax cut but formally states legislative intent to pursue this policy change during the upcoming session, citing Oklahoma's strong financial position with over $5 billion in reserves.
SB 1131 appropriates $100,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to support their existing duties. The bill declares an emergency to allow immediate implementation upon approval. It does not create new programs or change existing laws, but provides specific funding for the State Regents' ongoing operations. This is a routine budgetary measure affecting only the State Regents' financial allocation.
SB 1971 adds detailed requirements for charter school applications in Oklahoma, requiring applicants to complete 10 hours of training and submit 34 specific items - including financial plans, student support strategies, facility details, and governance structures - before approval. It mandates that sponsors (like school districts or organizations overseeing charters) conduct annual performance reviews of charter schools, post these reviews on their websites, and include specific data in reports. The bill directly affects new charter school applicants, their sponsors, and the Statewide Charter School Board by increasing application scrutiny and oversight transparency, effective July 1, 2024.
SB 1523 requires Oklahoma school districts to administer the Presidential Fitness Test starting in the 2026-2027 school year, using guidelines developed by the State Department of Education. These guidelines must include staff training, exemptions for students with disabilities or medical conditions, and an opt-out option for parents or guardians. School districts must use test results to promote physical activity, adjust fitness programs, and encourage participation in movement opportunities - both at school and in the community. The bill directs the guidelines to align with federal recommendations from the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition. It becomes effective July 1, 2026, and is declared an emergency.
HB 3016 requires Oklahoma schools to provide binocular vision screenings for students in kindergarten, first, and third grades to identify convergence insufficiency (a vision disorder affecting near focus). Screenings, conducted within 30 days of the school year start by trained school nurses or vision professionals, must be performed in addition to existing vision screenings. The bill establishes a Binocular Screening Revolving Fund in the state treasury to cover program costs using state appropriations, which must supplement - rather than replace - current school vision funding. The program begins in the 2026-2027 school year.
