Sen. Adam Pugh

Maddy summarySB 1720 amends Oklahoma's Parents' Bill of Rights to expand parental rights in schools, directly affecting parents, students, and school districts. It adds specific rights like the ability to request school records within 10 business days, receive incident reports after injuries or bullying, and submit written complaints to the State Department of Education about violations. The bill requires the Department to investigate complaints, mandate corrective actions for violations, and prohibits schools from retaliating against parents or students. It also establishes a legal claim (cause of action) for violations, with a one-year filing deadline, while preserving existing rights under FERPA and child welfare laws.

Maddy summarySB 1538 requires Oklahoma's Service Oklahoma to deny driver licenses or permits to applicants under 18 without specific documentation proving school enrollment, graduation, or equivalent status, or proof of passing an 8th-grade reading proficiency test. It mandates school districts to provide enrollment verification forms and requires parents/guardians to submit written statements if school is not in session. The bill includes an exception allowing licenses for minors employed at least 24 hours weekly, verified by employers, and requires schools to notify Service Oklahoma if a minor withdraws from school. This directly affects teenagers seeking driver's licenses in Oklahoma by linking licensing to educational status and reading skills.

Maddy summarySB 1524 requires all Oklahoma public school districts to post specific information on their websites within one click of the homepage. This includes each board member's name, photo, contact details, and election dates; the superintendent's similar contact and biographical information; and upcoming election dates, candidate requirements, and district maps. The bill directly affects every public school district in Oklahoma by mandating this transparency about leadership and elections. It becomes effective July 1, 2026, with an emergency declaration allowing immediate implementation upon passage.

Maddy summarySB 1337 adds 90 days of unpaid paternity leave for full-time education employees (like teachers and school staff) in Oklahoma during their child's first year. It allows these employees to take leave without pay for childcare while still receiving full credit toward salary increases and retirement service time. The bill also updates existing leave-sharing programs to include paternity leave eligibility and modifies related revolving funds. This directly affects education employees seeking parental leave, with specific provisions for both maternity and paternity leave under updated statutes. The policy change takes effect immediately due to an emergency declaration.

Maddy summarySB 1776 creates a $10,000 annual income tax credit for Oklahoma teachers who have completed eight consecutive years teaching in the same school district. To qualify, teachers must continue teaching in that district for the remainder of their eighth year plus three additional years (with exceptions for layoffs, death, or medical hardship). The credit is refundable, meaning any amount exceeding a teacher's tax liability will be paid directly to them. The Oklahoma Tax Commission may audit claims and require repayment if eligibility is later found to be invalid. This bill would apply to tax years starting in 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 1776, the "United States and Oklahoma Flag Display Rights Act of 2025," prohibits state or local government entities from restricting the display of the U.S. or Oklahoma flag on government property. It specifically allows individuals to display these flags from their own vehicles or while holding them, provided the display follows proper standards without alterations or defacement. The law directly affects citizens and groups seeking to display these flags on public property, such as parks or government buildings. It does not create new government requirements but prevents existing restrictions on flag displays meeting these conditions. The bill includes an emergency clause to take effect immediately upon approval.

Maddy summarySB 1537 updates Oklahoma's appointment process for the Veterans Commission. It requires six members to be selected from specific veterans' organizations (like the American Legion and VFW), which must now submit tax returns, mission statements, and annual veteran service statistics. The bill mandates three at-large appointments, including at least one member who served after September 11, 2001. If an organization fails to provide required documentation, the Governor may appoint an at-large member temporarily. The changes take effect November 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 2068 requires every public school district in Oklahoma to form a library advisory committee for each grade level taught. Each committee must include one school board member, one teacher from that grade, and one parent or guardian of a student in that grade. These committees will review and approve all library materials (including books, digital resources, and equipment) to ensure they meet community standards and student needs. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026, and declares an emergency to expedite implementation.

Maddy summarySB 2070 strengthens oversight of Oklahoma charter schools by adding detailed requirements for new applications and annual performance reviews. It mandates 10 hours of state-approved training for applicants and sponsors before submitting applications, and requires 34 specific items in applications - including financial plans, academic alignment, disability support plans, and organizational charts. The bill also requires sponsors to conduct annual performance reviews, post summaries on their websites, and include specific data in reports to the Statewide Charter School Board. These changes directly affect charter school applicants, sponsors, and governing boards by increasing transparency and accountability in school operations.

Maddy summarySB 2047 modifies the membership structure of Oklahoma's Commission for Educational Quality and Accountability by requiring staggered terms (no more than two members' terms ending in the same year) and clarifies appointment procedures. It directs the Commission to electronically submit annual reports containing specific education data - including high school graduation rates, college readiness metrics, and workforce outcomes - to state leaders by November 1, 2027, with updates every three years. The bill also shifts responsibility for conducting the educator supply-and-demand study from the State Board of Education to the Commission and allows the Commission to use funds or contract third parties to gather required data. These changes directly affect the Commission's operations, state education agencies, and public school systems by standardizing reporting requirements and data collection.