HB 2252 requires Oklahoma school districts to provide a 20% wage increase to school support employees earning less than $80,000 annually for the 2025-2026 school year, if they continue working for the same district. The increase is calculated based on the employee’s 2024-2025 salary and adjusted proportionally for hours worked. This change takes effect on July 1, 2025, and applies in addition to any existing compensation, benefits, or collective bargaining agreements.
Oklahoma's SB 847 prohibits public school districts and charter schools from requiring staff or volunteers to use pronouns that do not match a student's gender listed on their birth certificate. It also bans school materials (including books and digital resources) from using names or pronouns inconsistent with a student's birth certificate gender. Schools found noncompliant face a 5% reduction in state funding the following fiscal year, and parents can sue for violations. The law applies directly to schools, staff, and students whose birth certificates list a gender different from their gender identity.
HB 2895 modifies Oklahoma's child care licensing rules to improve staffing and facility standards. It requires directors of child care centers to have at least a bachelor's degree (with continuing education still needed), creates a one-year probationary period for new master teachers (extendable by one year), and mandates directors appoint a probationary master teacher within 60 days. The bill also updates space requirements: pre-November 2016 facilities must provide 35 sq ft per infant, while new/expanded facilities must provide 40 sq ft per infant. Additionally, after-school children are excluded from license capacity calculations when determining required master teacher staffing. The changes take effect November 1, 2025.
HB 1964 establishes Oklahoma's "Parents' Bill of Rights," granting parents specific control over their children's education in public schools. It requires schools to provide written notice and allow parents to withdraw students from instruction or materials related to sex, gender identity, race, religion, or "social and emotional learning" programs, and to obtain written parental consent before involving students in activities promoting "ideological, philosophical, or political beliefs" (like diversity initiatives). Schools must also share details about curriculum, DEI plans, and student data collection policies, with parents able to request this information in writing within 10 days. Parents harmed by school violations can sue for damages under this bill, directly affecting public school parents, students, and school districts.
HB 1286 sets minimum requirements for Oklahoma public school instruction time, mandating at least 180 days or 1,080 hours annually. It specifically allows school districts to use up to 10 virtual days per year for limited reasons like inclement weather, staff shortages, or building maintenance - requiring districts to notify the State Board of Education by October 15. If virtual days exceed the limit, schools must switch to in-person instruction, and districts must maintain policies for students without internet access. The bill also requires annual audits of compliance and reports on student achievement impacts for districts using flexible scheduling options.
SB 19 requires all Oklahoma public school districts and charter schools to annually submit a complete list of library materials (or provide a link to their online catalog) to the State Department of Education by October 1 each year. It prohibits access to pornographic materials or "sexualized content" (defined as excessive sexual material lacking educational value for students' age) in school libraries for those under 18. Parents can report suspected violations to the state, triggering an investigation; confirmed violations lead to a 5% state funding reduction and potential accreditation "deficiency" designation. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, and mandates schools to maintain written policies for reviewing library materials and handling complaints.
SB 481 bans public employees (including state, local, and school district workers) from participating in group strikes or work stoppages. It automatically terminates employment, revokes pensions and civil service rights, and revokes teaching certificates for educators who violate the ban. The law explicitly allows individual employees to stop working without group action. This bill takes effect November 1, 2025, and applies broadly across Oklahoma's public workforce.
SB 472, titled "Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit Act; expanding scope of scholarships while participating in the program," was withdrawn from committee on February 19, 2025, and is no longer active. The bill's original intent, as reflected in its title, was to expand tax credit eligibility for education scholarships under Oklahoma's parental choice program. However, with the title stricken and the bill withdrawn, no legislative action or policy changes were enacted. This procedural withdrawal means the proposed expansion of scholarship access did not advance.
SB 1190 requires Oklahoma public school districts to hold at least one "industry day" annually for students in grades 9-12 starting in the 2026-2027 school year. It mandates collaboration between school districts, local employers, career centers, and colleges to provide students with information about local career opportunities and the education/training needed for those jobs. Industry day can be integrated into existing programs like the Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP) or linked to apprenticeship and work-based learning initiatives. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, directly affecting all Oklahoma public high schools and their students.
SB 1374, the Thrive Act, provides state funding reimbursement for school meal programs in Oklahoma. It applies to school districts with 40% or more students qualifying for free meals (based on federal eligibility criteria) that choose to participate in the federal community eligibility program. Starting in the 2027-2028 school year, these districts receive tiered state reimbursements per meal: 100% for districts under 2,000 students, 90% for 2,000-10,000 students, and 80% for districts over 10,000 students. The law also requires the State Department of Education to evaluate the program’s impact every three years starting in 2028.
