HB 1523 would create a pilot program allowing Oklahoma public schools to offer virtual mental health services through telehealth. The State Department of Education must develop this program, with schools able to opt in by applying. Key provisions include requiring parental consent before services, limiting initial funding to $25,000, and defining "health benefit plan" per existing state law. The pilot aims to improve student mental health access without mandating participation. (Note: The bill was withdrawn from committee on February 19, 2025.)
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 1467 authorizes Oklahoma's State Board of Education to assist school districts in establishing community school pilot projects. It defines community schools as public schools offering tailored services (before, during, and after school) through collaboration with families, educators, community groups, and students. Pilot projects must include a designated coordinator, stakeholder needs assessments, collaborative leadership, and ongoing engagement, with optional components like strengthened curriculum and wraparound support services. The bill becomes effective November 1, 2025, but funding availability will determine grant awards to school districts.
SB 1353 creates a revolving fund in Oklahoma's State Treasury to provide free menstrual products (tampons and sanitary napkins) in designated restrooms at public schools. It directly affects all public school districts and charter schools in Oklahoma by requiring the State Department of Education to use this fund to help schools make these products available at no cost in restrooms used by females or single-occupancy facilities. The fund is supported by state appropriations, donations, and grants, with the Department of Education managing disbursements to schools. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.
HB 2371 proposes funding pilot programs for school districts to use AI software on school-issued devices as a safety tool, without direct student surveillance. The bill requires the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and the State Department of Education to fund AI programs that analyze device activity (via existing web filtering systems) to assess student safety, readiness to learn, and well-being, using data already collected for compliance. It creates a dedicated revolving fund in the state treasury to cover costs like software, equipment, and personnel for these voluntary pilot programs, which can be implemented at the district or school level. The bill would take effect November 1, 2025, if passed.
HB 1144 allows Oklahoma public school students to take one excused absence per semester for mental health reasons without requiring documentation from parents or students. This policy directly affects all K-12 students in Oklahoma public schools by expanding valid reasons for excused absences beyond traditional medical or family emergencies. The key provision limits mental health absences to a single full school day each semester, with no need for verification like a doctor's note. It does not change existing rules for other excused absences (such as for 4-H activities or online course participation) but adds mental health as a standalone, no-documentation reason. The bill amends Oklahoma's school attendance statutes to include this specific provision.
