[Oasfaa] Legislative Update & Oklahoma's Promise Day: March 14, 2025

[Beam, Colbi]

Good afternoon,

Oklahoma's Promise and Higher Education Higher Education Day & Oklahoma Promise will be on April 15th. Additional details will be sent after the upcoming Spring Break.

Another legislative week is complete and a short week approaches for Spring Break. The House and Senate will be in session on Monday and Tuesday of next week, with both chambers taking Wednesday and Thursday off from activities. Our updated bill list is included below. While a number of bills are not moving forward after last week's deadline, there are still a significant number we are tracking. Please keep in mind, legislation progress can change rapidly and be sure to review to determine where legislation stands today at http://www.oklegislature.gov/BasicSearchForm.aspx.

Best wishes,

Colbi Beam, Ph.D.
Associate Vice Chancellor for State Grants and Scholarships
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education

655 Research Parkway, Suite 200
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104
cbeam at osrhe.edu<mailto:cbeam at osrhe.edu>
The update below reflects the major legislation concerning Higher Education.
If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Jarrett Jobe, Vice Chancellor for Governmental Relations, at jjobe at osrhe.edu<mailto:jjobe at osrhe.edu>.

Legislation List
3.14.2025
Agency Admin
HB1187 by Rep. Rick West & Sen. George Burns: modifies the opt-out provision to remove group insurance under the Oklahoma Employees Insurance and Benefits Act.
Update: Assigned to Commerce and Economic Development Oversight then Insurance committee(s). Passed 6-0 On 2/5. Passed 16-0 on 2/27.

HB1409 by Rep. Denise Crosswhite Hader & Sen.  Kendal Sacchieri: Allows for public body email distribution systems to annually confirm and delete people from email lists.
Update: Assigned to Government Oversight then General Government committee(s). Passed off the House floor 87-0 on 3/13

HB1621 by Rep. Chuck Hall & Sen. Aaron Reinhardt: creates the Government Spending Transparency Act. It requires the State Treasurer to establish an Internet-based portal freely available to the public which details information about expenditures made by Submitting Parties in each fiscal year that commences after the effective date.
Update: Assigned to General Government then Government Oversight committee(s). Passed 5-1 on 2/24. Passed oversight 13-3 on 3/6.

HB2095 by Rep. Annie Menz & Sen. Julia Kirt: Requires public bodies to respond to open records requests within 30 days.
Update: Assigned to Government Oversight then General Government committee(s). Passed 7-0 on 2/11. Passed oversight 16-0 on 3/6.

HB2674 by Rep. Kyle Hilbert & Sen. Lonnie Paxton: Creates the Statewide Official Compensation Commission
               Update: Assigned to Appropriations committee(s). Passed 30-0 on 3/4.

SB0095 by Sen. Ally Seifried & Rep. Nick Archer: exempts from the definition of the term "employee" within the Administrative Workers' Compensation Act any person engaging in a temporary work arrangement that allows the individual to observe a work environment and gain work experience without the expectation of financial compensation.
               Update: Assigned to Business and Insurance committee(s). Passed 10-0 on 3/6.

SB0097 by Sen. Kendal Sacchieri & Rep. Stacy Adams: prohibits state agencies from entering into any new, or renewal of any existing, contract or any other agreement with a lobbyist for the purpose of lobbying; or hiring a legislative liaison for the purpose of lobbying, unless the agency first secures express, written approval from the appropriate cabinet secretary who oversees the state agency.
               Update: Assigned to Retiremtns and Government Reources committee(s). Passed 7-1 on 2/11.

SB0134 by Sen. Avery Frix & Rep. Steve Bashore: reduces the time period during which a retired member of the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System may be rehired by their former employer or to enter into an employment contract of any kind with a former employer to six months from one year.
Update: Assigned to Retiremtns and Government Reources committee(s). Passed 8-0 on 2/25. Referred to Actuary.

SB0159 by Sen. Mark Mann & Rep. Ty Burns.: requires the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs establish its headquarters and a veterans resource center in Del City that provides information and referral services to connect veterans with available public and private services. It requires any state agency that provides any services to veterans collaborate with the department to provide services through the veterans resource center established.
Update: Assigned to Veterans and Military Affairs then Appropriations committee(s). Passed 7-2 on 2/13. Title Stricken. Withdrawn from Appropriations. General order.

SB0481 by Sen. Dusty Deevers : Bans Public employees from participating in Strikes or Work stoppage.
               Update: Assigned to Retirement and Government Resources committee(s). Passed 6-2 on 2/25.

SB0552 by Sen. Kelly Hines & Rep. Collin Duel: Prohibits state agencies from using or procuring and biotechnology equipment or services that originates from a company designates to be a biotechnology company of concern.
Update: Assigned to Technology and Telecommunications committee(s). Passed off the Senate floor 46-0 on 3/13.

SB0615 by Sen. Dana Prieto & Rep. Jim Olsen: No state employee shall have a higher salary than the governor.
Update: Assigned to Retirement and Government Resources Them Appropriations committee(s). Passed 7-0 on 2/11.

SB0646 by Sen. Lonnie Paxton & Rep. Kyle Hilbert: prohibits state agencies from publicly posting or publicly displaying content that includes covered information of a federal official or his or her immediate family
               Update: Assigned to Judiciary committee(s). Passed  8-1 on 3/4.

SB0660 by Sen. Micheal Bergstrom & Rep. Mark Lepak: creates the Oklahoma Foreign Agents Registration Act. It prohibits a person from acting as an agent of a foreign principal from a country of particular concern unless they have filed with the Attorney General a true and complete registration statement and supplements as required or unless they are exempt from registration under the provisions.
               Update: Assigned to Retirement and Government Resources committee(s). Passed 6-2 on 2/11.

SB0896 by Sen. Micheal Bergstrom: requires any permanent rule promulgated or amended on or after the effective date to automatically terminate pursuant to the schedule prescribed. It requires the Secretary of State to develop a schedule, subject to approval by the President Pro Tempore of the State Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Administrative Rules Committee chairs of both houses, for the initial expiration of the administrative rules of each state agency.
               Update: Assigned to Administrative Rules committee(s). Passed 7-2 on 2/13.

SB0900 by Sen. Aaron Reinhardt: allows any political subdivision participating in the state purchase card program to issue a solicitation for the acquisition of a purchase card.
               Update: Assigned to Retirement and Government Resources committee(s). Passed 8-0 on 3/4.

SB0918 by Sen. Micheal Bergstrom & Rep. Gerrid Kendrix: in the interpretation of a state statute, administrative rule, or other sub regulatory document, a court of this state or an officer hearing an administrative action from deferring to the interpretation of a state agency and from interpreting the meaning and effect de novo. It requires, in an action brought by or against a state agency, after applying all customary tools of interpretation, the court or hearing officer to exercise any remaining doubt in favor of a reasonable interpretation which limits agency power and maximizes individual liberty.
               Update: Assigned to Judiciary committee(s). Passed 6-2 on 2/19.

SB0995 by Sen. Micheal Bergstrom & Rep. Gerrid Kendrix: requiring legislative approval for proposed permanent rules
               Update: Assigned to Administrative Rules committee(s). Passed 9-0 on 2/13.

SB1006 by Sen. David Bullard & Rep. Kevin West: Prohibits state agencies from utilizing DEI hiring and firing practices
               Update: Assigned to Retieremnt and Government Resources committee(s). Passed 6-2 on 2/19.

SB1015 by Sen. Shane Jett : Creates the State-Sponsored Persecution Prohibition Act
               Update: Assigned to Retirement and Government Resources committee(s). Passed 5-3 on 2/25

SB1024 by Sen. Micheal Bergstrom & Rep. Gerrid Kendrix: requires any state agency that adopts a permanent rule pursuant to Section 303 of Title 75 of the Oklahoma Statutes which contains a regulatory restriction to submit two regulatory restrictions for revocation.
               Update: Assigned to Administrative Rules committee(s). Passed 7-2 on 2/13.

SB0179 by Sen. David Bullard & Rep. Jim Shaw: requires all state agencies be responsible for their information technology services. It requires the Information Services Division of the Office of Management and Enterprise Services to transfer to each state agency all data, records, and other information regarding the agency's information technology and cybersecurity services rendered prior to the effective date of the bill.
Update: Assigned to Retirement and Government Resources then to Appropriations committee(s). Passed 8-0 on 2/11. Title Stricken

HB1683 by Rep. Cynthia Roe & Sen. Jo Anna Dossett: requires any health benefit plan that is offered, issued, or renewed on and after the effective date that offers coverage for contraceptive drugs to provide coverage for an enrollee to obtain: a three-month supply of a contraceptive drug at once the first time the enrollee obtains the drug
               Update: Assigned to Insurance committee(s). Passed 4-2 on 2/24. Passed 10-4 on 3/6.

SB0109 by Sen. Brenda Stanley & Rep. Nicole Miller: requires any health benefit plan including the Oklahoma Employees Insurance Plan that is offered, issued, or renewed in Oklahoma to provide coverage for clinical genetic testing for an inherited gene mutation for individuals with a personal or family history of cancer when such test provides clinical utility and when ordered or recommended by a health care provider in accordance with medical and scientific evidence
               Update: Assigned to Business and Insurance committee(s). Passed 8-2 on 2/20.

HB2164 by Rep. John Pfeiffer & Sen John Haste: business or family relationships are required to be disclosed as part of the bid submission process. It also establishes penalties for those who violate the state's Central Purchasing Act.
Update: Assigned to Judiciary and Public Safety committee(s). Passed off the House Floor 88-0 on 3/11.

CareerTech
HB1092 by Rep. Ryan Eaves & Sen,  Todd Golihare: Creates a $7,500 tax credit for those who have completed a Qualified CareerTech certification
Update: Assigned to Appropriations and Budget committee(s). Passed off the House Floor 59-28 on 3/11.

HB1243 by Rep. Judd Strom & Sen. Carri Hicks: creates the Oklahoma National Guard CareerTech Assistance Act, providing Oklahoma National Guard members in good standing with a high school diploma or those who have completed General Education Requirements tuition assistance for up to three years at CareerTech institutions.
               Update: Assigned to Appropriations committee(s). Passed off the House Floor 82-6  on 3/11.

SB0031 by Sen. Carri Hicks & Rep. Judd Strom: creates the Oklahoma National Guard CareerTech Assistance Act. The bill defines applicable terms. The bill creates the Oklahoma National Guard CareerTech Assistance Program to provide assistance to eligible Guard members who enroll in a technology center school. It requires, subject to the availability of funds, the amount of assistance be equivalent to the amount of tuition for a career and technology program in which the eligible Guard member is enrolled leading to certification or licensure, not to exceed a maximum of three years
Update: Assigned to Education then Appropriations committee(s). Passed full appropriations 22-0 on 3/5.

Charter Schools
HB1758 by Rep. Dell Kerbs : Allows statewide virtual charter schools that reach certain assessment achievements to receive additional funds for certain expenses
Update: Assigned to Appropriations and Budget committee(s). Passed A&B Education subcommittee 7-2 on 2/10.

HB1940 by Rep. Danny Sterling & Sen. Brenda Stanley: Charter schools; sponsorship; adding county to certain sponsor
Update: Assigned to Common Education then Education Oversight committee(s). Passed off the House floor 85-1 on 3/12.

HB2154 by Rep. Rob Hall & Sen. Brian Guthrie: exempts charter schools from filing a written itemized statement of estimated needs and probable income from all sources.
Update: Assigned to Common Education then Education Oversight committee(s). Passed 11-0 on 2/12. Passed 9-0 on 2/26.

SB0388 by Sen. Ally Seifried & Rep. John Kane: Authorizes Charter and Virtual Charter Schools students to participate in extracurricular activities.
               Update: Assigned to Education committee(s). Passed  5-4 on 3/4

SB0674 by Sen. Adam Pugh & Rep. Chad Caldwell: allows charter schools to submit certain charter school site plans for rezoning.
Update: Assigned to Local and County Government committee(s). Passed off the Senate floor 40-6 on 3/11.

SB0705 by Sen. Adam Pugh : authorizes a board of county commissioners to work with ambulance service districts established under the Oklahoma Constitution in an effort to minimize cost to such entities.
               Update: Assigned to Education committee(s). Passed 11-0 on 3/4

SB0842 by Sen. Casey Murdock & Rep. Toni Hasenbeck: requiring school district and charter school governing bodies to request a national criminal history record check for volunteers
               Update: Assigned to Education committee(s). Passed 11-0 on 2/25.

Common Education
HB1096 by Rep. Toni Hasenbeck & Sen. Adam Pugh: Requires the state board of Education to Develop an Academic Performance Index
Update: Assigned to Appropriations and Budget Edcation Subcommittee committee(s). Passed off the House Floor 78-17 on 3/11.

Concurrent Enrollment
HB2831 by Rep. George Burns & Sen. Ally Seifried: Requires students who attend a physical school location to also attend concurrent enrollment classes at a physical location.
Update: Assigned to Appropriations and Budget committee(s). Passed A&B Education Subcommittee 8-1 on 2/17.

General Education
HB1007 by Rep. Jim Olsen & Sen. Dana Prieto: excludes an identification card issued by a school, university, or other educational institution from being considered valid proof of identity for purposes of registering to vote in the State of Oklahoma.
Update: Assigned to Elections and Ethics. committee(s). Passed 5-1 on 2/10. Passed Oversight 13-3 on 3/4.

HB1287 by Rep. Chad Caldwell & Sen. Adam Pugh: authorizing the Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma to create a math tutoring pilot program for 8th grade math assessments.
Update: Assigned to Appropriations and Budget committee(s). Passed off the House floor 72-13 on 3/12.

HB1590 by Rep. Mark Lepak & Sen. Julie Daniels: Creates the Oklahoma Education Linked Deposit Program
               Update: Assigned to Appropriations committee(s). Passed 5-3 on 2/19.

SB0006 by Sen. Ally Seifried & Rep. Chris Banning: modifies the dates for school board and career technology center board primary and general elections. It also modifies the filing period for the offices.
               Update: Assigned to Education committee(s). Passed off the Senate floor 33-10 on 3/13.

Graduation Requirements
HB1304 by Rep. Dick Lowe & Sen. Brenda Stanley: Adds computer science and a one-year career tech program to certain science courses and requires one unit of computer science curriculum for certain students. It allows computer science courses to be used for fulfilling certain other requirements and requires the State Department of Education to promulgate rules on emerging computer science technologies
Update: Assigned to Education Oversight then Common Education committee(s). Passed 8-0 on 2/19. Dormant

HB1521 by Rep. Dick Lowe & Sen. Adam Pugh: Adds computer science and a one-year career tech program to certain science courses and requires one unit of computer science curriculum for certain students. It allows computer science courses to be used for fulfilling certain other requirements and requires the State Department of Education to promulgate rules on emerging computer science technologies
Update: Assigned to Education Oversight then Common Education committee(s). Passed oversight 9-0 on 3/5.

Gun Laws
HB1095 by Rep. Derrick Hilderbrant & Sen. Christi Gillespie: Allows governing body of any city or town to authorize the concealed carry of handguns into any structure, building or office space.
Update: Assigned to Judiciary, Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight committee(s). Passed 4-0 on 2/12. Passed oversight 6-3 on 2/25.

HB1139 by Rep. Denise Crosswhite Hader & Sen. Kendal Sacchieri: Modifies definitions authorizing the transport and storage of firearms on school property.
Update: Assigned to Judiciary, Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight committee(s). Passed 8-2 on 2/27.

HB1185 by Rep. Rick West & Sen. Micheal Bergstrom: Prohibits the destruction of historic military weapons.
               Update: Assigned to Health and Human Services Oversight then Veterans and Military Affairs committee(s). Passed 8-0 on 2/5. Passed 9-0 on 2/26.

HB2028 by Rep. Nick Archer & Sen. Grant Green: exempts from sales tax sales of gun safes, firearm ammunition, and firearms and their optics and direct attachments. The bill defines each term.
               Update: Assigned to Appropriations and Budget committee(s). Passed 9-0 on 2/19.

HB2818 by Rep. Jay Steagall & Sen. Darrell Weaver: Modifies the Oklahoma self defense code to include "occupied premises" and expands open carry allowances
               Update: Assigned to Judiciary, Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight committee(s). Passed 10-2 on 2/27.

SB0016 by Sen Micheal Bergstrom & Rep. Kevin West: creates the Oklahoma Second Amendment Financial Privacy Act. The bill defines applicable terms. The bill prohibits any government entity or official and agent or employee of a government entity from knowingly keep or cause to be kept any list, record, or registry of privately owned firearms or the owners of those firearms except for those records kept during the regular course of a criminal investigation and prosecution.
               Update: Assigned to Business and Insurance committee(s). Passed 8-2 on 2/27.

SB0040 by Sen. Julie McIntosh & Rep. Jay Steagall: prohibits any person, property owner, tenant, employer, or business entity from establishing or enforcing any policy or rule that prohibits any person or employee, except a convicted felon, from transporting, carrying, or storing firearms or ammunition in a locked motor vehicle on any property set aside for any motor vehicle or a motor vehicle owned, leased, or rented by the person or employee to conduct business for the business entity.
               Update: Assigned to Public Safety committee(s). Passed 4-3 on 3/4.

SB0050 by Sen. Jo Anna Dossett & Rep. Nick Archer: exempts sales tax on the purchase of gun safes and gun safety devices.
               Update: Assigned to Revenue and taxation then to Appropriations committee(s). Passed off the Senate floor 43-1 on 3/13.

SB0084 by Sen. Kendal Sacchieri & Rep. Denise Crosswhite Hader: removes the limitation that a vehicle containing a gun or knife can be driven onto school property only to transport a student to and from school and does not remain unattended on school property. The bill changes references from a "gun" to a "firearm."
               Update: Assigned to Public Safety committee(s). Passed  5-2 on 2/19.

SB0123 by Sen. George Burns & Rep. David Hardin: removes the administrative penalty for carrying a concealed or unconcealed handgun loaded with any restricted or prohibited ammunition.
               Update: Assigned to Public Safety committee(s). Passed 5-1 on 3/4.

SB0124 by Sen. George Burns & Rep. David Hardin: exempts a firearm suppressor that is manufactured in Oklahoma and remains in the state from being subject to federal law or federal regulation including registration under the authority of the US Congress to regulate interstate commerce.
               Update: Assigned to Public Safety committee(s). Passed 4-3 on 2/19.

SB0372 by Sen. Kelly Hines & Rep. Jay Steagall: Extends lawful open carry to any state-owned hotel, cabin or lodge.
               Update: Assigned to Public Safety committee(s). Passed 6-2 on 2/11.

SB0381 by Sen. David Bullard & Rep. Jay Steagall: Modifies the criminal violations and convictions that remove eligibility to have open carry rights restored.
               Update: Assigned to Judiciary committee(s). Pased 5-3 on 2/25.

SB0500 by Sen. Casey Murdock & Rep. Kevin West: Prohibits government entities from entering into contract or agreements with any company or organization that discriminates against firearm companies.
               Update: Assigned to Public Safety committee(s). Passed 5-2 on 2/19.

SB0524 by Sen. Darrell Weaver & Rep. Jay Steagall: Extends concealed carrying protections to a polling place during an election.
               Update: Assigned to Public Safety committee(s). Passed 6-2 on 2/19.

SB0628 by Sen. Christie Gillespie & Rep. Derrick Hildebrant: Governing bodies of cities towns and counties can authorize the canceled carry of handgun into any structure owned or leased by that political subdivision.
               Update: Assigned to Public Safety committee(s). Passed 5-2 on 2/19.

SB0636 by Sen. Jerry Alvord & Rep. Kevin West: Gag order on state entity or political subdivision from publicizing to opposing second amendment rights
               Update: Assigned to Public Safety committee(s). Passed 5-2 on 2/19.
SB0742 by Sen. Todd Gollihare & Rep. Erick Harris: modifies the scope of applicability related to lawful carry.
               Update: Assigned to Public Safety committee(s). Passed off the House Floor 41-6 on 3/10.

SB0853 by Sen. Darrell Weaver & Rep. Jay Steagall: clarifies exemptions to certain prohibited acts related to firearms. It authorizes the pointing of firearms under certain circumstances specified therein.
               Update: Assigned to Public Safety committee(s). Passed 6-2 on 2/25.

SB0863 by Sen. Casey Murdock & Rep. Nick Archer: modifies certain registration approval requirements under the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act.
               Update: Assigned to Public Safety committee(s). Passed 6-1 on 2/25.

Higher Education
HB1017 by Rep. Anthony Moore & Sen. Dave Rader: creates the Oklahoma College Athletic Conference Act for the purpose of establishing a new intercollegiate athletic conference, with the name to be determined, to promote and regulate college athletics among member institutions within the state; provide enhanced athletic competition; foster community and state pride; support student-athlete experience by giving more time in classroom and creating higher graduation rates, reduction of university athletic budgets due to less travel; provide better in-state rivalries to enhance student and spectator experience; allow better in-state recruiting thus keeping Oklahoma students in Oklahoma; and ensure compliance with both state and federal regulations governing college athletics.
Update: Assigned to Postsecondary Education, Education Oversight committee(s). Passed off the House Floor 78-13 on 3/4.

HB1027 by Rep. Mike Kelley & Sen. Jerry Alvord: adds University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University police officers who are CLEET-certified who participate in the system and lake patrolmen or dispatchers of the Grand River Dam Authority who participate in the system as members of the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System. It updates the statute to comply with Internal Revenue Service regulations.
Update: Assigned to Judiciary, Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight committee(s). Passed off the House Floor 85-1 on 3/13.

HB1256 by Rep. Judd Strom & Sen. Kristen Thompson: Allows the Construction industries board to enter into contracts with any accredited system of education in the state.
Update: Assigned to Business Then Comerce & Economic Development Oversight committee(s). Passed off the House Floor 90-4  on 3/3

HB1980 by Rep. Trish Ranson & Sen. Jack Stewart: creates the Oklahoma Higher Education Fair Admissions Act to ensure that individuals seeking higher education in Oklahoma have an equitable opportunity for admission, regardless of their criminal history, under specified conditions.
Update: Assigned to Postsecondary Education, Education Oversight committee(s). Passed 6-2 on 2/11. Passed oversight 7-1 on 3/5.

HB2197 by Rep. Max Wolfley & Sen. Kendal Sacchieri: prohibits institutions within The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education from requiring any student to purchase a meal plan as a condition of enrollment or for residing in on-campus housing.
Update: Assigned to Postsecondary Education, Education Oversight committee(s). Passed 8-0 on 2/11. Passed 8-1 on 2/26.

HB2903 by Rep. Tammy Townley & Sen. Adam Pugh: Repeals the Student Advisory board sections of the State Regents For Higher Education
Update: Assigned to Postsecondary Education, Education Oversight committee(s). Passed oversight 9-0 on 3/3.

SB0032 by Sen. Brenda Stanley & Rep. Nicole Miller: permits the State Regents for Higher Education to establish limitations on the fees or fee amounts to be ineligible for program assistance under the Oklahoma National Guard Educational Assistance Act in conjunction with the Military Department of the State of Oklahoma.
Update: Assigned to Education committee(s). Passed off the Senate Floor 47-0 on 2/24. Engrossed

SB0244 by Sen. Julie Daniels: Establishes the School of American Civic Thought and Leadership at OU
               Update: Assigned to Education committee(s). Passed 6-3 on 2/25.

SB0283 by Sen. Dave Rader & Rep. Gerrid Kendrix: Expands the annual transaction limit for the State System of Higher Education Master Lease Program.
               Update: Assigned to Revenue and Taxation committee(s). Passed 7-4 on 2/17.

SB0363 by Sen. Darcy Jech & Rep. Anthony Moore: Exempts Private Religious Degree granting institutions from requiring accreditation for certain religious degrees. Defines applicable terms
               Update: Assigned to Education committee(s). Passed  8-2 on 2/19.

SB0490 by Sen. Todd Gollihare & Rep. Mark Lawson: modifies the terms and requirements for certain agreements between student athletes and postsecondary institutions or authorized third parties under the Student Athlete Name, Image, and Likeness Rights Act.
               Update: Assigned to Judiciary committee(s). Passed 7-1 on 2/25.

SB0701 by Sen. John Haste & Rep. Toni Hasenbeck: Modifies course levels offered at NSU Broken Arrow branch campus
               Update: Assigned to Education committee(s). Passed off the Senate floor 43-1 on 3/11.

SB0796 by Sen. Adam Pugh : Prohibits the utilization of state funds at systems of higher education for DEI.
               Update: Assigned to Education committee(s). Passed 7-3 on 3/4.

SB0873 by Sen. Paul Rosino & Rep. Preston Stinson: Removes obsolete property descriptions.
Update: Assigned to Health and Human Services committee(s). Passed off the House Floor 42-0 on 3/11.

SB0942 by Sen. Kristen Thompson & Rep. Emily Gise: prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, disability, religion, or marital status against a student or an employee in an institution of higher education or a public school in Oklahoma.
               Update: Assigned to Education committee(s). Passed 7-3 on 2/19.

HB1980 by Rep. Trish Ranson & Sen. Jack Stewart: creates the Oklahoma Higher Education Fair Admissions Act to ensure that individuals seeking higher education in Oklahoma have an equitable opportunity for admission, regardless of their criminal history, under specified conditions.
Update: Assigned to Postsecondary Education, Education Oversight committee(s). Passed 6-2 on 2/11. Passed oversight 7-1 on 3/5.

HB2051 by Rep. Preston Stinson & Sen. Kristen Thompson: creates the Graduate Physicians Act. The bill defines applicable terms. It requires graduate physicians be subject to the supervision requirements established in any controlling federal law, any supervision requirements provided in this act, and any supervision requirements established by the State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision. It provides graduate physicians are not subject to any additional supervision requirements, other than the supervision requirements provided by the bill. It requires . the State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision, in consultation with the State Board of Osteopathic Examiners, to promulgate certain rules. It establishes supervision requirements.
Update: Assigned to Public Health then Health and Human Services Oversight committee(s). Passed off the House floor 75-10 on 3/11.

HB2257 by Rep. Nicole Miller & Sen. Brenda Stanley: permits program and other fees to be covered by the Oklahoma National Guard Educational Assistance Program. It requires the amount of mandatory fees, program fees, academic service fees, and any other fees be jointly reviewed and approved by the State Regents for Higher Education and the Military Department of the State of Oklahoma before a determination to pay the fees is made.
Update: Assigned to Postsecondary Education committee(s). Passed off the House floor 86-6 on 3/5.

HB2854 by Rep. Toni Hasenbeck & Sen. Kendal Seifried: Declares a moratorium on certain higher education course and program restrictions
Update: Assigned to Postsecondary Education committee(s). Passed off the House Floor 68-21 on 3/13.

SB0760 by Sen. Dana Prieto & Rep. Kevin West: exempts nonprofit religious organizations or any degree-granting institutions whose primary purpose is to provide religious training or theological education.
               Update: Assigned to Education committee(s). Passed 9-2 on 2/25.

Higher Education Affordability
HB1760 by Rep. Dell Kerbs & Sen. Adam Pugh: Provides Tax Credit for contributions to the Oklahoma Equal Opportunity Education Scholarship Act
Update: Assigned to Appropriations and Budget committee(s). Title stricken Passed full appropriations 32-2 on 3/5.

HB2888 by Rep. Tammy Townley & Sen. Aaron Reinhardt: Removes the non-taxable sources from the eligibility requirements for the Tuition Equalization Grant.
Update: Assigned to Appropriations and Budget committee(s). Passed off the House floor 80-3 on 3/13.

SB1054 by Sen. Regina Goodwin & Rep. Jason Lowe: Creates a scholarship for the descendants of the Tulsa Race Massacre.
Update: Assigned to Education then Appropriations committee(s). Passed 11-0 on 3/4. Withdrawn from appropriations

HB1282 by Rep. Chad Caldwell & Sen. Dave Rader: Creates the Distinguished Oklahoma Scholars Award Program. Defines eligibility and award parameters.
Update: Assigned to Appropriations and Budget committee(s). Passed off the House floor 76-5 on 3/13.

HB2050 by Rep. Preston Stinson & Sen. Paul Rosino: Requires foreign applicants for medical licensure to possess a doctorate of medicine or equivalent as evidenced by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates.
Update: Assigned to Public Health then Health and Human Services Oversight committee(s). Passed off the House floor 84-0 on 3/12.

SB0224 by Sen. Ally Seifried & Rep. Chad Caldwell: Creates the Oklahoma Education and Workforce Statewide Longitudinal Data System.
Update: Assigned to Economic Development, Workforce and Tourism Then to Appropriations committee(s). Passed full appropriations 21-2 on 3/5

Insurance
HB1161 by Rep. Mark Tedford & Sen. Avery Frix: Requires all bills providing a mandate impacting health benefit plans be assigned to the respective standing committee primarily responsible for insurance legislation.
Update: Assigned to Government Oversight Then to General Government committee(s). Passed 6-1 on 2/4. Passed 10-4 on 2/27.

HB1497 by Rep. Mark Tedford & Sen. Aaron Reinhardt: requires the ultimate controlling person of every insurer subject to registration to concurrently file with the registration an annual group capital calculation as directed by the lead state commissioner.
Update: Assigned to Insurance then Commerce and Economic Development Oversight committee(s). Passed oversight 16-0 on 2.27.

SB0901 by Sen. Grant Green & Rep. Mark Tedford: prohibits the Office of Management and Enterprise Services from promoting or marketing other forms of insurance in conjunction with the Risk Management Program provisions provided therein.
               Update: Assigned to Retirement and Government Resources committee(s). Passed 8-0 on 2/25.

OCAST
SB0387 by Sen. Ally Seifried & Rep. Mike Osburn: Extends OCAST STEM workforce pipeline program to CareerTech students.
               Update: Assigned to Education committee(s). Passed 9-0 on 3/4. Passed 47-0 on 3/10.

SB0572 by Sen. Dave Rader & Rep. Daniel Pae: Ends the Technology business financing program ran by OCAST in Conjunction with the Commercialization Center.
Update: Assigned to Economic Development, Workforce and Tourism committee(s). Passed 46-0 on 3/10.

OEQA
HB1955 by Rep. Jacob Rosecrants & Sen. Aaron Reinhardt: Puts OEQA in charge of the Education Leadership program. Changes amount the commission pays for National board certification
               Update: Assigned to Common Education committee(s). Passed oversight 9-0 on 3/3.


SB0186 by Sen. Mark Mann & Rep. Trish Ranson: Requires the Office of Educational Quality and Accountability to establish a grant program to provide individuals issued emergency or provisional certificates to teach with grants to assist them in obtaining alternative placement teaching certificates. It establishes requirements for applications and for the awarding of grants. The bill creates the Teacher Certification Emergency to Permanency Revolving Fund for the Office of Educational Quality and Accountability to fund the grant program.
               Update: Assigned to Education then Appropriations committee(s). Passed 8-1 on 2/25.

Oklahomas Promise
HB1727 by Rep. Anthony Moore & Sen. Adam Pugh: Extends Oklahoma's promise to the children of certified classroom teachers.
Update: Assigned to Appropriations and Budget committee(s). Passed off the House Floor 71-20 on 3/6.

SB0140 by Sen. Ally Seifried & Rep. Toni Hasenbeck: prohibits a student who is 21 or older from being eligible to enter into Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program (OHLAP). The bill modifies the program's eligibility requirements. It permits the State Regents for Higher Education to grant exceptions to the eligibility requirements, except under certain conditions. It requires the Regents to promulgate necessary rules.
Update: Assigned to Education then to Appropriations committee(s). Passed 10-0 on 2/11. Passed Full Appropriations 23-0 on 2/20.

HB1184 by Rep. Rick West & Sen. Dana Prieto: Lowers ACT score required to qualify for Oklahoma's Promise to 19 from 22.
Update: Assigned to Apropriations and Budget Education Subcommittee then to Appropriations committee(s). Passed A&B Education subcommittee 7-2 on 2/10.

OneNet
SB0687 by Sen. Chuck Hall & Rep. Trey Caldwell: Creates an account for the payment of broadband equipment rebates. In the state treasury
Update: Assigned to Revenue and taxation then to Appropriations committee(s). Passed off the House floor 32-14 on 3/11.

SB0821 by Sen. Mary Boren & Rep. Daniel Pae: Adds to the required state budget performance itemized request a quantification of Information Technology needs
               Update: Assigned to Retirement and Government Resources committee(s). Passed 7-0 on 2/11.

Open Records
HB2163 by Rep. John Pfeiffer & Sen. Brent Howard: establishes in the Office of the Attorney General the Public Access Counselor Unit. It permits a person whose request to inspect or copy a public record is denied by a public body, except the Legislature and committees, commissions, and agencies thereof, to file a request for review with the Public Access Counselor not later than 30 calendar days after the date of the denial
               Update: Assigned to General Government committee(s). Passed oversight 11-4 on 3/4.

SB0535 by Sen. Julie Daniels & Rep. Daniel Pae: modifies requirements for a public body to complete certain records requests under the Oklahoma Open Records Act.
               Update: Assigned to Judiciary committee(s). Passed off the Senate Floor 45-2

Teacher Education/Recruitment
HB1087 by Rep. Dick Lowe & Sen. Adam Pugh: increases the minimum teacher salary for teachers with 26 years or more experience.
Update: Assigned to Apropriations and Budget Education Subcommittee then to Appropriations committee(s). Passed off the House Floor 86-2 on 3/12

HB1465 by Rep. Tammy West & Sen. Brenda Stanley: adds a definition for military service in relation to teacher pay computations.
Update: Assigned to Apropriations and Budget Education Subcommittee then to Appropriations committee(s). Passed off the house floor 86-0 on 3/11.

HB1485 by Rep. Ronny Johns & Sen. Aaron Reinhardt: authorizes certain temporary contracts for teachers with emergency or provisional certificates and updates citations.
Update: Assigned to Common Education then Education Oversight committee(s). Passed off the House Floor 83-1 on 3/12.

HB1491 by Rep. Ronny Johns & Sen. Aaron Reinhardt: Gives the state board of education the authority to revoke or suspend licenses or certificates and lists acceptable reasons.
Update: Assigned to Common Education then Education Oversight committee(s). Passed oversight 9-0 on 3/5.

HB2125 by Rep. Clay Staires & Sen. Kendal Sachieri: Authorizes adjunct teachers to teach at all grade levels including early childhood education
Update: Assigned to Common Education committee(s). Passed off the House floor 68-22 on 3/12.

HB2418 by Rep. Scott Fetgatter & Sen. Avery Frix: Allows an adjunct teacher to maintain approval unless significant changes in his or her qualifications or curriculum occur.
Update: Assigned to Education Oversight then to Common Education committee(s). Passed 11-0 on 2/12.Passed 9-0 on 2/26.

HB2893 by Rep. Tammy Townley & Sen. Roland Pederson: Public school paraprofessionals who hold a bachelor's degree in education or education studies shall be deemed to have satisfied any rule that requires additional professional education coursework from an institution of higher education under the adopted program.
Update: Assigned to Education Oversight then to Common Education committee(s). Passed off the House Floor 92-0 on 3/11.

SB0026 by Sen. David Bullard & Rep. Max Wolfley: permits an Oklahoma Teachers Retirement System member who has been retired and has received benefits for at least 90 days to be eligible to be reemployed as an active classroom teacher in common or career tech school districts with no limitations on earnings for a period of three years following the bill's effective date, provided a retiree who is reemployed may not be employed as an active classroom teacher in common or career tech school districts during the 90 period prior to reemployment. The bill establishes that the 90-day period will commence on the date of the retiree's last day of preretirement public education employment.
Update: Assigned to Retirement and Government Resources then to Appropriations committee(s). Passed 8-0 on 2/25. Sent to Actuary

SB0212 by Sen. Ally Seifried & Rep. Chad Caldwell: Directs the Commission for Educational Quality and Accountability to establish TeachForwardOK. Effective date. Emergency.
Update: Assigned to Education then Appropriations committee(s). Passed off Senate floor 34-10 on 3/13

SB0235 by Sen. Adam Pugh : Establishes the Grow Your Own Educator Program and the Grant application process.
Update: Assigned to Education then Appropriations committee(s). Passed full appropriations 21-0 on 3/5.

SB0510 by Sen. Shane Jett : Modifies the minimum teacher salary schedule so that no teacher be granted credits for more than ten years of military service, and for retirement no more than five years of military service.
               Update: Assigned to Education committee(s). Passed 8-1 on 2/19.

SB0554 by Sen. Adam Pugh & Rep. Toni Hasenbeck: Pays teachers stipends based on their certificate level instead of a salary increase.
Update: Assigned to Education then Appropriations committee(s). Passed  9-0 on 3/4. Passed full appropriations 22-0 on 3/5.4

SB0794 by Sen. Ally Seifried & Rep. Dick Lowe: requires the Commission for Educational Quality and Accountability to establish student teaching requirements for teacher candidates who are enrolled in an educator preparation program accredited by the Commission.
               Update: Assigned to Education committee(s). Passed off the Senate floor 44-0 on 3/11.

SB0840 by Sen. Carri Hicks & Rep. Anthony Moore: Creates the requirements of a Certified Academic Language Therapist and Center for Effective Reading Instruction Micro-credentials.
               Update: Assigned to Education committee(s). Passed 9-0 on 2/19.

SJR0001 by Sen. Carri Hicks : proposes a vote of the people on a constitutional amendment that would allow a member of the Legislature to be employed as a certified teacher with a public school district within two years of completing his or her term of office.
               Update: Assigned to Rules committee(s).

TRS
SB0090 by Sen. Avery Frix : provides a 5 percent benefit increase for members of the Oklahoma Firefighters Pension and Retirement System, Oklahoma Police Pension and Retirement System, Uniform Retirement System for Justices and Judges, Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System, Oklahoma Teachers Retirement System and Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System.
Update: Assigned to Retirement and Government Resources then to Appropriations committee(s). Passed 7-1 on 2.25 . Referred to Actuary.


SB0172 by Sen. David Bullard & Rep. Max Wolfley: allowing oversight boards of state retirement systems to approve cost-of-living adjustments under certain circumstances.
Update: Assigned to Retirement and Government Resources then to Appropriations committee(s). Passed 8-0 on 2/25.

SB0174 by Sen. Roland Pederson & Rep. Johnny Tadlock: implements a benefit increase for retired members of the Teachers' Retirement System: 0 percent if the person has been retired for less than two years as of June 30, 2025; 2.0 percent if the person has been retired for at least two years but less than five years as of June 30, 2025; and 4.0 percent if the person has been retired for five years or more as of June 30, 2025.
Update: Assigned to Retirement and Government Resources then to Appropriations committee(s). Passed 7-1 on 2/27.

SB1029 by Sen. Kendal Sacchieri & Rep. Jonathan Wilk: Requires an employee of a participating employer to have the option to opt out of participating in the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System
               Update: Assigned to Retirement snd Government Resources committee(s). Passed 6-2 on 3/4.

HB1561 by Rep. Collin Duel & Sen. Kelly Hines: creates the Foreign Adversary Divestment Act of 2025. It prohibits all state and local managed funds from holding investments in any: foreign adversary; state-owned enterprise of a foreign adversary; company domiciled within a foreign adversary; company owned or controlled by a foreign adversary; state-owned enterprise of a foreign adversary; company domiciled within a foreign adversary; or other entity within a foreign adversary.
Update: Assigned to Government Oversight then Banking, Financial Services and Pensions committee(s). Passed oversight 10-2 on 3/4.

Workforce and Economic Development
HB1376 by Rep. Brad Boles & Sen. Kristen Thompson: modifies the composition of the board of directors for the Oklahoma Alliance for Manufacturing Excellence.
Update: Assigned to Government Oversight Then to General Government committee(s). Passed off the House Floor 87-4 on 2/25.

HB1540 by Rep. Kenton Patzkowsky & Sen. Casey Murdock: Creates the Oklahoma Workforce Education Partnership Revolving Fund.
Update: Assigned to Appropriations and Budget committee(s). Passed off the House floor 70-17 on 3/12.

HB2084 by Rep. Jason Blair & Sen. Julie Daniels: Creates new rules for journeyman license expatriations if licensee if completing continuing education requirements. Extends the time for reregistering or renewing a license if certain continuing education requirements are met within the time limits.
Update: Assigned to Commerce and Economic Development Oversight then Business committee(s). Passed oversight 16-0 on 3/4.

SB0119 by Sen. Grant Green & Rep. Nick Archer: creates an investment rebate program for the cost of qualified capital expenditures for establishments that refine, manufacture, or process compounds or elements into hydrogen-based products,
Update: Assigned to Economic Development, Workforce and Tourism then Appropriations committee(s). Passed 8-0 on 2/25.

SB0130 by Sen. George Burns & Rep. Brad Boles: requires the Corporation Commission to submit a requisition pursuant to statute to contract with an outside consulting firm to conduct a technical and legal feasibility study on nuclear energy generation in the state. It requires the requisition require the contract be awarded to an outside consulting firm that has professional experience consulting on nuclear energy projects
Update: Assigned to Energy then Appropriations committee(s). Passed off the Senate floor 39-7 on 3/10.

SB0135 by Sen. John Haste & Rep. Clay Staires: changes the name of the Oklahoma Aircraft Engine Testing Development Grant Program to the Oklahoma Aircraft and Rocket Engine Testing Development Grant Program. It expands the program to include rocket engine testing. The bill appropriates $20.0 million to the Oklahoma Aircraft and Rocket Engine Testing Development Fund from the FY2026 General Revenue Fund.
Update: Assigned to Aeronautics and Transportation Then Appropriations committee(s). Passed off Senate Floor 40-5 on 2/17.

SB0209 by Sen. Roland Pederson & Rep. Daniel Pae: Creates the Southeast Asia Trade Office
Update: Assigned to Economic Development, Workforce and Tourism then Appropriations committee(s). Passed off the Senate floor 38-6 on 3/13.

SB0473 by Sen. Dave Rader & Rep. Eric Roberts: Requires reporting from recipients of the REAP of 1996
Update: Assigned to Economic Development, Workforce and Tourism committee(s). Passed off the Senate floor 46-0 on 3/10.

SB0573 by Sen. Dave Rader & Rep. Daniel Pae: Requires for tax year 2026 and beyond submission of employment levels, intern, payments, estimated revenues, estimated costs and statements of financial assistance and income in order to continue qualifying for the small business incubator tax exemptions.
Update: Assigned to Economic Development, Workforce and Tourism committee(s). Passed off the Senate Floor 44-0 on 3/12.

SB0575 by Sen. Dave Rader & Rep. Daniel Pae: Oklahoma Local Development and Enterprise Zone Leverage Act; prescribing reporting requirements
Update: Assigned to Economic Development, Workforce and Tourism committee(s). Passed off the Senate floor 42-2 on 3/13.

SB0586 by Sen. Chuck Hall & Rep. John Kane: modifies the definition of "new direct job" to establish a certain relationship between employer and leased or contracted employee under the Oklahoma Quality Jobs Program Act.
Update: Assigned to Economic Development, Workforce and Tourism committee(s). Passed off the House Floor 27-17 on 3/11.

SB0662 by Sen. Adam Pugh & Rep. Brian Hill: Requires the Oklahoma Workforce Commission to implement programs in the state to address, high demand critical occupations, work based learning opportunities, K-12 district innovation. Provides definitions.
Update: Assigned to Economic Development, Workforce and Tourism committee(s). Passed off the Seante floor 32-14 on 3/10.

SB0663 by Sen. Adam Pugh & Rep. Brian Hill: Creates the Workforce Commission Revolving Fund.
Update: Assigned to Economic Development, Workforce and Tourism committee(s). Passed off the Senate Floor 32-15 on 3/10,

SB0744 by Sen. Christie Gillespie : prohibits employers from taking adverse actions against employees that exercised their right to vote as protected in Section 4 of Article II of the Oklahoma Constitution in the course of their duties as an elected official; or the employee has exercised their right of free speech as protected in Section 22 of Article II of the Oklahoma Constitution in the course of their duties as an elected official.
Update: Assigned to Economic Development, Workforce and Tourism committee(s). Passed 7-1 on 2/25.


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