SB 410 requires Oklahoma public high school students in grades 8-12 to complete a computer science unit to earn a standard diploma starting with the 2024-2025 school year. This replaces the previous requirement for two world language units with a new computer technology course requirement covering programming, hardware, and business applications like spreadsheets. The bill mandates that this unit must be approved for college admission and excludes basic keyboarding or typing courses. It directly affects all students pursuing standard diplomas in Oklahoma public high schools under the updated graduation requirements.
HB 2402 would create tax breaks and grants to attract manufacturers of low-temperature waste heat electrification technology (recovering heat below 200°C) to Oklahoma. Companies investing $10 million+ with 50+ new jobs would get up to 30% corporate tax breaks for five years (renewable), while larger investments ($20 million+ with 100+ jobs) qualify for 50% breaks. The state would cap annual spending at $8 million, with unused funds rolling over, and prioritize grants for facilities in economic development zones or energy-sector projects. Manufacturers must meet specific technology standards, submit job/investment plans, and report annually on progress to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.
SB 572 ends Oklahoma's technology business financing program, which previously provided funding to help local businesses commercialize innovations. The bill requires all remaining program funds and annual royalty payments (from businesses that received funding) to be transferred to the state's General Revenue Fund by November 1, 2025. This affects OCAST (the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology), businesses that had received program funding, and state finances. The program officially ceases upon the bill's effective date, redirecting all unused funds to general state revenue.
HB 1346 changes Oklahoma law by replacing the term "child pornography" with "child sexual abuse material" in all relevant statutes. It requires commercial entities (like websites or platforms) to implement "reasonable age verification methods" to prevent minors from accessing harmful online content, and holds these entities liable for civil damages if they knowingly publish or distribute such material. The bill directly affects online platforms and commercial entities hosting content, adding new civil liability standards without creating new criminal penalties. Key provisions define terms like "age verification methods" and "harmful to minors" to clarify enforcement.
HB 1982 updates Oklahoma school contracting rules for electronic educational materials. It requires vendors to guarantee materials are ready for immediate use at delivery, provide free replacements for defects within seven days, and supply updates/support within seven days of a school's notification. The bill also mandates that electronic files for textbooks must be in formats compatible with federal accessibility standards (like Braille conversion), ensuring materials can be adapted for students with disabilities. These rules apply to digital textbooks, software, and online learning tools purchased by school districts, effective July 1, 2025.
HB 2024, the Oklahoma Space Renaissance Act, allocates $51.3 million in state funds to support Oklahoma's space industry development. The bill directs $35 million for infrastructure at the Oklahoma Air and Space Port to enable spacecraft testing and launches, and $15 million for a microgravity research consortium focused on commercial science projects in Oklahoma City. It also provides $1.3 million for the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority to carry out its duties. The funding is intended for fiscal year 2026, with the bill effective July 1, 2025.
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 1983 requires Oklahoma public schools to teach media literacy and cybersecurity to students in sixth, seventh, or eighth grade starting in the 2027-2028 school year. It mandates a half-unit course covering specific topics like identifying online scams, fake news, deepfakes, password security, and protecting personal information. The State Department of Education must develop curriculum standards, guidelines, teacher training, and accessible resources to support this instruction, including accommodations for English learners and students with disabilities. The bill becomes effective November 1, 2025, with implementation beginning for incoming sixth graders in 2027.
