The Oklahoma House and Senate are passing education targeted bills for 2025 that could impact on children of the community. Their aim is to protect the parental rights, feed the children in off school times and limit social platforms while in school. Here is a run down of some of the bills listed for vote.
Oklahoma House Bill 2919, introduced by Representative Ajay Pittman on February 3, 2025, proposes allowing public schools to offer a 'Life Skills' elective course for students in grades 6 through 12, contingent upon available funding. The course aims to equip students with practical skills across various areas, including nutrition and cooking, automobile maintenance, household repairs, first aid, etiquette and interpersonal skills, professional development like job applications, resumewriting,collegereadiness, basic financial literacy, understanding credit scores, path to home ownership, career pathways, college, trade schools, vocational programs, licensing and certificate programs. Theycanalsopossibly learn about state and local government, self-discipline and time management and mental health basics, including stress management techniques The bill permits school districts to determine the appropriate grade levels and timing for each instructional area. Instruction can be delivered in person, virtually, or through a hybrid approach and specialized teaching certifications are not required for educators providing this instruction. Additionally, schools may collaborate with the career and technology education systems to enhance the Life Skills curriculum.
As of February 6, 2025, HB2919receiveda'DoPass' recommendation from the House Common Education Committee, with all 11 committee members voting in favor. The bill is currently under consideration by the Education Oversight Committee.
Oklahoma House Bill 2032, introduced in the 2025 legislative session, aims to establish the state's participation inthefederalSummer Electronic Benefit Transfer for Children or Summer EBT program. The purpose of this program is to provide supplemental nutrition assistance to eligible children during the summer months when school is not in session, starting June 1, 2026.
The Oklahoma Department of Human Services is designated to administer the program in collaboration with the State Department of Education to determine eligibility and reduce administrative burdens for qualifying families. The bill was initially authored by Representative Archer on February 3, 2025. Subsequently, on February 5, 2025, Representative Deck replaced Representative Archer as the principal House author.
Oklahoma Senate Bill 759, SB 759, introduced on February 3, 2025, by Senator Dana Prieto, proposes amendments to the state's Parents' Bill of Rights. The billemphasizesthatneithera school district nor its board of education can infringe upon parental rights.
It also clarifies parents' rights to access and review their children's medical records, regardless of whether these records are held by the state, any political subdivision or other entities.
Additionally, SB 759 outlines procedures requiring written parental consent for a child's participation in sex education curricula and mandates that, without such consent, the child will be automatically withdrawn from the program. The bill further provides mechanisms for parents to address concerns with school districts, including the option to request a hearing before the State Board of Education or to seek injunctive relief through the courts. As of February 5, 2025, the bill has been coauthored by Senator Micheal Bergstrom and referred to the Senate Education Committee for further consideration.
Oklahoma Senate Bill 371, introduced by Senator MichealBergstromonFebruary 3, 2025, aims to enhance digital safety in schools by restricting student access to social media platforms. The bill mandates that school district boards of education develop policies preventing students from using schoolowned computers or devices to access social networking or social media platforms, websites, or applications while on school premises.
The State Board of Education is authorized to adopt rules to monitor compliance with these provisions. If enacted, the law would take effect on July 1, 2025. As of February 4, 2025, SB 371 has been referred to the Senate Education Committee for further consideration. This legislative effort is part of a broader initiative by Oklahoma lawmakers to address concerns related to student use of cellphones and social media in educational settings.