HB 3022 establishes new rules for non-certified adjunct teachers in Oklahoma public schools. It prohibits these teachers from serving as full-time or part-time classroom instructors for core subjects (math, science, English, social studies) in prekindergarten through sixth grade, while requiring them to hold at least a high school diploma. The bill mandates the State Board of Education to create salary guidelines specifically for part-time noncertified adjunct teachers. This directly affects school districts hiring non-certified staff for limited roles and sets clear boundaries for their classroom responsibilities.
HB 3138, known as the "Free to Speak Act," requires public schools and state higher education institutions in Oklahoma to respect biological sex (defined as observed at birth) regarding student and staff interactions. It prohibits employees from facing discipline for refusing to use names or pronouns inconsistent with a student's biological sex (without parental permission for minors) and bars schools from disciplining students who decline to use such names or pronouns. The bill allows individuals harmed by violations to pursue private lawsuits for damages, injunctions, or attorney fees within two years. It applies to all public K-12 schools and state colleges, effective November 1, 2026.
SB 1477 limits concurrent enrollment in college courses to high school students under 21 years of age, prohibiting those 21 or older from participating. The bill amends Oklahoma Statutes Section 628.13 to establish this age restriction, affecting high school students aged 21 and above who would no longer qualify for college course enrollment through their high school program. This change directly alters eligibility for concurrent enrollment, a program allowing students to earn college credit while still in high school. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.
SB 1736, the Oklahoma Sexual Education Reform and Parental Rights Protection Act, requires written parental consent for students to participate in certain sexual education classes. It defines "comprehensive sexual education" (which the bill restricts) as programs promoting sexual activity outside marriage, non-heterosexual orientations, or contraceptive methods without emphasizing risks, and mandates "optimal sexual health education" (which the bill promotes) focusing on abstinence, traditional marriage, and health risks of premarital sex. School districts must adopt procedures to notify parents and obtain written consent before offering these classes, update website information about curriculum, and prohibit certain materials or organizations from leading such programs. The bill directly affects Oklahoma K-12 students, parents/guardians (who must consent), and school districts (which must implement new procedures).
HB 4174 limits Oklahoma's statewide student assessments to only the minimum requirements mandated by federal law under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). It eliminates the state's option to require additional assessments in reading, writing, and math beyond the core subjects already covered by federal standards. The bill maintains required assessments in English language arts and math (grades 3-8), science (across grade spans), and U.S. History (grades 9-12), while removing provisions for extra subject-area testing. Students must still pass these assessments to earn a standard high school diploma, but the requirement for optional additional tests is removed.
SB 1865 requires Oklahoma public high school students to complete a minimum 3-minute video about fetal development (using ultrasound, computer-generated, or non-profit produced content) to graduate, starting with the 2027-2028 school year. The instruction must be integrated into existing classes, and parents must receive written notice one week in advance with opt-out information. Students who opt out cannot face disciplinary action. The bill applies to all students graduating from state-accredited public high schools and allows the State Board of Education to create implementing rules.
SB 1416, the THRIVE Act, requires all Oklahoma public school districts and charter schools to implement a mandatory character education program focused on 15 specific traits like honesty, respect, responsibility, and "sexual abstinence outside of marriage" as part of their curriculum. The State Department of Education must develop an approved list of research-based materials and resources by the 2026-2027 school year, excluding any content contradicting these traits. Parents may opt their children out of the program via written notice, and schools must publicly share implementation details and opt-out procedures. The bill directly affects every K-12 student and school in Oklahoma, mandating a standardized character education framework aligned with state curriculum standards.
HB 3761 prohibits Oklahoma public schools and school districts from joining any association or organization that supports diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices, including those granting preferential treatment based on race, ethnicity, or national origin. It requires schools to review current memberships by July 1, 2026, and terminate ties with non-compliant organizations within 15 days of notice. Schools must annually submit compliance certificates to the State Board of Education by July 1, starting in 2026. The bill directly affects all public K-12 schools and districts in Oklahoma, restricting their affiliations with groups promoting certain DEI initiatives.
HB 4491 prohibits full-time students enrolled in statewide virtual charter schools (sponsored by the Statewide Charter School Board) from participating in Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA) sports and competitive extracurricular activities starting July 1, 2026. The bill directly affects these virtual charter students, who would instead be limited to intramural activities organized by their virtual school or external groups. It amends existing law to clarify that virtual charter students cannot join district-sponsored athletic associations, while allowing schools to offer their own non-competitive activities. The provision applies only to statewide virtual charter schools, not traditional public or brick-and-mortar charter schools.
HB 3242 requires public schools, public higher education institutions, and domestic violence shelters to designate restrooms, changing areas, and sleeping quarters as exclusively for males or females. It prohibits students from sharing sleeping quarters with someone of the opposite sex unless they are family members (e.g., parent, sibling), and mandates single-sex facilities for all shared spaces where undressing occurs. Exceptions include emergencies, maintenance, and coaches entering locker rooms during athletic events under strict conditions (e.g., students fully clothed, accompanied by another adult). Noncompliant schools face a 5% state funding cut, and parents can sue school districts for violations. The law applies to all public K-12 schools, colleges, and shelters operating under state oversight.
