HB 2017 updates Oklahoma's anti-bullying and online harassment laws to better protect students. It adds "aiding suicide" as a criminal offense (Section 1) and expands definitions of electronic harassment to include threatening online communications directed at specific individuals (Section 2), with misdemeanor penalties for first offenses and felony for repeat violations. The bill also modifies school safety policies under the School Safety and Bullying Prevention Act (Section 3), requiring schools to update anti-bullying policies annually, report incidents to parents within 24 hours, and prohibit retaliation against staff who report incidents. These changes directly affect students, schools, and online platforms by strengthening legal consequences for targeted online harassment and improving school response protocols.
SB 409 would require Oklahoma public school districts to add one additional day of classroom instruction starting July 1, 2025, if the state allocates at least $25 million more in funding for public schools than the previous fiscal year. This provision directly affects all Oklahoma public school districts by mandating an extra school day when specific state budget increases are met. The bill establishes a clear funding trigger ($25 million greater than prior year) as the mechanism for the requirement, with no changes to existing minimum instructional time standards (180 days or 1,080 hours). It is designed to link state education funding increases directly to expanded instructional time for students. The bill was introduced but failed passage in April 2025 (22-63 vote).
SB 758 limits when Oklahoma public school districts and charter schools can count virtual instruction toward required annual instructional hours (1,080 hours or 180 days). Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, schools generally cannot count days when school is closed with virtual instruction toward these requirements. The bill allows counting up to two days (or 12 hours) per year only if the Superintendent of Public Instruction approves the school's virtual instruction plan. This change directly affects how districts report instructional time and must comply with state guidelines for virtual learning.
SB 514 expands Oklahoma's statewide alternative education system to explicitly include charter schools and virtual charter schools that are designated by the State Department of Education as offering alternative education programs. It requires school districts serving grades 7-12 to provide alternative education programs meeting specific standards (like smaller class sizes, certified teachers, and individualized plans) and allows districts to use full-time virtual or blended instruction. Designated charter and virtual charter schools must follow the same performance standards and attendance policies as district programs, while funding is based on student enrollment with 15% reserved for cooperative agreements between districts. The bill directly affects school districts, designated charter/virtual schools, and students at risk of not completing high school.
HB 1401 requires Oklahoma cities, towns, and school districts with populations over 100,000 to ensure new or updated public playgrounds are fully accessible for people using mobility devices. The law mandates smooth, navigable travel surfaces and equipment that accommodates all ages, including adults and children with mobility needs. It applies to all new installations or renovations starting November 1, 2025. Smaller communities (under 100,000 residents) and existing playgrounds not being upgraded are not affected by this requirement.
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.
HB 1304 requires Oklahoma public high schools to offer a dedicated one-year computer science curriculum as part of graduation requirements for students in grades 8-12. It mandates that schools include computer science courses (covering programming, hardware, and business applications) as an approved option to fulfill the "two units of world language or computer technology" requirement for graduation. The bill specifies these courses must be approved for college admission and exclude basic keyboarding or typing courses. This directly affects all Oklahoma public high school students meeting graduation standards under the 2024-2025 school year curriculum rules. The policy change updates existing graduation requirements to explicitly include computer science as a valid pathway.
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 553 amends Oklahoma law to add "knowingly and willfully failing to report suspected child abuse or neglect" as a specific reason for revoking teaching licenses or certifications. It directly affects school employees (including teachers, administrators, and support staff) who hold teaching credentials. The bill requires these employees to annually sign an attestation confirming they understand reporting obligations under Oklahoma law, and establishes that the State Board of Education must follow strict notice procedures (certified mail and email within 3 days) before revoking a license for this violation. This law strengthens accountability for mandatory child abuse reporting in schools by creating clear, enforceable consequences for non-compliance.
HB 1092 creates a $7,500 annual tax credit for Oklahoma residents who complete qualifying trade or vocational programs (such as HVAC, plumbing, or welding training) at approved Oklahoma schools. The credit, available for taxable years starting January 1, 2026, offsets income tax liability up to the actual tuition cost paid (whichever is lower), but cannot reduce tax below zero. Unused portions may carry forward for up to three years, and the credit can only be claimed once per individual after receiving program certification. This policy directly supports Oklahoma residents pursuing in-demand technical careers by reducing the cost of vocational education.
