Welcome to the Oklahoma House of Representatives

Legislation designating certain degrees or certificates in postsecondary institutions as "credentials of value" was signed into law last week. Rep. Brian Hill, R-Mustang, authored House Bill 2398 to encourage the improvement of student outcomes and increase workforce alignment. The bill authorizes the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE) and the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education (CareerTech) to establish qualifying degrees and certificates as "Credentials of Value." Qualifying degrees and certificates must demonstrably provide a positive return on investments for students, fill a labor market demand or meet a need in the state's workforce. "Oklahoma is constantly growing, and students need to know what educational pathways will open doors for them," Hill said. "House Bill 2398 helps students find the right career for them by providing the necessary resources to make informed decisions for their future. I am thankful to the governor and my fellow legislators for their support of this legislation as we work together to create a brighter future for Oklahoma." Under the measure, programs designated a "credential of value" must produce annual reporting on completion rates, employment outcomes, earnings and program costs. Hill said this information will assist students in choosing a career that will provide them with long-term success. Sen. Aaron Reinhardt, R-Jenks, is the Senate author of the bill. "I appreciate the governor’s support of this legislation that gives every student the information they need to make an educated decision about their future," Reinhardt said. "Through cooperation and collaboration among colleges, universities, career technology centers and workforce leaders, we can show students which degrees and credentials offer real economic value, leading them to successful, high-demand careers." "Designating Credentials of Value that directly align with local and state workforce needs positions colleges and universities to prioritize academic programs in critical fields, our state to meet changing employer demands, and Oklahomans to make informed education and career choices that can lead to lifetime success," said OSRHE Chancellor Sean Burrage. "Thank you, Rep. Hill, Sen. Reinhardt, and Gov. Stitt, for your vision and leadership throughout the transition from legislation to law." HB2398 will take effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns sine die.

Today, Governor Kevin Stitt signed Senate Bill 1778 into law, strengthening Oklahoma’s Strong Readers Act and making historic investments to help ensure every student can read by the end of third grade. The legislation strengthens early literacy efforts through statewide reading screenings, targeted interventions grounded in the science of reading, additional support and training for teachers, stronger accountability measures and improved communication with parents about their child’s reading progress. Under the new law, schools will identify reading deficiencies earlier and provide evidence-based interventions to help students improve before they fall behind. The legislation also expands teacher training opportunities, increases classroom support for educators and establishes new expectations for colleges of education preparing Oklahoma’s future teachers. House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, the House author for this legislation, said the new law implements strategic programs that have shown to prove real, data-driven results and takes a critical step in strengthening Oklahoma's student outcomes and future workforce.   “This was my top priority this session,” said Hilbert. “We have to follow the data and pursue policies that produce better outcomes for our students. The status quo has not been good enough, and this legislation is about ensuring every Oklahoma child has the strong foundation they need to succeed.” Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, the Senate author of the measure, affirms that parent involvement is key to the success of this legislation. “By identifying reading challenges early and providing meaningful, targeted support before students fall behind, we are ensuring children will be equipped to read to learn," said Pugh. "A major key to this legislation is involving parents in the process.  This legislation has been designed so Oklahoma will have the strongest literacy program in the country. We should not accept anything less than every single child being able to read at grade level. This measure ensures we are giving every child that opportunity.” The legislation received overwhelming bipartisan support in the Oklahoma Legislature. Based on Spring 2025 testing, just 27 percent of Oklahoma third graders are reading at or above grade level. Senate President Pro Temp Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, said the legislation establishes stronger expectations and support systems to help students achieve reading proficiency by third grade.  “Senate Bill 1778 is a major step forward in ensuring every Oklahoma child has the foundational reading skills they need to succeed," said Paxton. By setting clear expectations, strengthening early intervention and giving parents more involvement, we’re making it clear that reading proficiency by third grade is not optional, it’s essential. This legislation reflects a strong commitment to accountability and results, and I appreciate the overwhelming support from both chambers as the governor signs this today.” To support these reforms, the state budget includes significant investments in literacy initiatives, including more than $43 million for reading instruction and interventions in schools, $5 million in supplemental funding for teacher training academies this summer, and $5 million in ongoing annual funding for teacher training programs. Additional funding will support reading-at-home initiatives and statewide math and reading screeners to help educators identify student learning needs earlier.   “Reading paves the way for bright futures. That’s why I’m proud to sign a bill that helps ensure our kids learn this foundational skill by the end of third grade,”  said Governor Kevin Stitt. “This is about early support, strong instruction, and giving parents the information they need to keep their kids on track. Because with a strong foundation, the next generation of Oklahomans can chase their American Dream. I thank Speaker Hilbert and Senator Pugh for leading on this important issue.” The Strong Readers Act is designed to ensure students develop critical literacy skills early in their education, setting them up for long-term academic success and expanding opportunities for Oklahoma’s future workforce.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The True Grit Trail in eastern Oklahoma will become a reality now that House Bill 1411 has been signed into law by the governor. Rep. Jim Grego, R-Wilburton is the author of the legislation. "I think everyone in Oklahoma and probably in the nation is familiar with the story of 'True Grit,' either from the novel written by Charles Portis or through the movie adaptations," Grego said. "Because the story takes place partly in Oklahoma, we thought it would be great to memorialize this trail and perhaps attract some additional tourism to this area. Oklahoma already has popular golf and fishing trails as well as a new Civil Rights Trail. This will add to the reasons for people to come and visit our great state." HB 1411 creates the True Grit Trail in eastern Oklahoma. The measure requires the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) to post signs along Oklahoma state highways directing visitors to sites along the trail. Towns and places of interest along the trail include: Sallisaw, Spiro, Bokoshe, McCurtain, Kinta, Quinton, Krebs, McAlester, Hartshorne, Wilburton, Red Oak, Bengal, Talihina, Robbers Cave State Park, and the Talimena National Scenic Byway. ODOT and the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department will be required to collaborate to maintain information regarding the True Grit Trail on an online platform. "True Grit" follows the story of 14-year-old Mattie Ross who hires U.S. Marshall Reuben J. "Rooster" Cogburn and a Texas Ranger to avenge the murder of her father. The trio trace the murderous gang into what was known as "Indian Territory" in 1878. The movie role of Rooster Cogburn was first played by John Wayne in 1969 and in a 2010 remake by Jeff Bridges. Kim Darby played the original Mattie Ross. Hailee Steinfeld played the character in the 2010 film. Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, is the Senate author of the bill.