Essential Policy Watchlist for Oklahoma’s 2025 Legislative Session: Key Education Issues to Follow

Attracting and Keeping Oklahoma Teachers

Oklahoma is taking steps to improve teacher salaries after last year’s attempt to raise pay fell short. New proposals are being discussed in 2023, including Senate Bill 201, which, if passed, would increase starting salaries for first-year teachers to $50,000. This represents a significant $10,399 raise, bringing Oklahoma in line with neighboring states like Arkansas and New Mexico.

Other bills are also on the table for teacher pay. For example, Senate Bill 142 proposes a $3,000 minimum raise, while House Bill 1112 aims for a $5,000 increase. Additionally, support staff could see a 6% raise under these proposals.

Veteran teachers may benefit from House Bill 1087, which extends salary step raises to 35 years of service instead of 25. Meanwhile, House Bill 1020 offers free in-state college tuition for the children of teachers who have worked for five consecutive years.

To streamline the path to becoming a teacher, there are initiatives like Senate Bill 7, which would provide financial assistance for students pursuing teaching degrees. Similarly, Senate Bill 242 seeks to help veterans transition into teaching roles.

Oklahoma also plans to address the need for trained teachers with Senate Bill 186, which would support emergency or provisionally certified teachers in obtaining proper certification.

Assistance for College Students

Several measures are aimed at making higher education more accessible. Senate Bill 140 would extend the application period for Oklahoma’s Promise program, and Senate Bill 406 would appoint a representative to guide students on eligibility. These initiatives aim to help more young people enter college.

Policy Proposals in Education

There are several bills addressing contentious issues in education. For instance, House Bill 1165 would require proof of citizenship for school enrollment. Moreover, Senate Bill 19 aims to create stricter regulations on library contents in schools.

New measures like Senate Bill 591 address transgender rights in schools by requiring parental permission for addressing students with names or pronouns not aligned with their biological sex. Senate Bill 139 seeks to restrict cell phone usage during school hours.

Expanding School Choice

Two key bills are pushing for expanded options in education. Senate Bill 247 proposes the “Fund Students, Not Systems Act,” which would set up an education savings account to cover private school expenses. Additionally, Senate Bill 229 aims to eliminate the cap on the Parental Choice Tax Credit program, enhancing options for families considering private education.