OKLAHOMA CITY – The House passed several education bills today that ban cell phones in schools, restrict virtual days, expand math supports for students, give students with disabilities access to schools that best fit their needs, and address teacher pay and retention, among others. Many of the bills now go to the governor for final consideration. The bills passed include: Senate Bill 105 – removes prior public school enrollment requirement for the Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program; the bill will return to the Senate for consideration of House amendments Senate Bill 139 – Requires school district boards of education to adopt a bell-to-bell cell phone ban in schools; the bill goes to the Governor for final consideration Senate Bill 215 – Creates the Oklahoma Math Achievement and Proficiency Act; the bill returns to the Senate for further consideration Senate Bill 235 – Establishes the Grow Your Own Educator Program; the bill returns to the Senate for further consideration Senate Bill 245 – Establishes the Oklahoma High Dosage Tutoring Program and makes changes to the Oklahoma Teacher Empowerment Program to allow more teachers to participate in the program, especially those at low-income schools; the bill now returns to the Senate for consideration of House amendments Senate Bill 758 – Restricts virtual days in schools to no more than two per school year; the bill now goes to the Governor for final consideration Senate Bill 794 – Requires certain student teaching requirements for teachers; the bill goes to the Governor for final approval Senate Bill 840 – Establishes a micro-credential for teachers who complete Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT) certification or Center for Effective Reading Instruction; the bill returns to the Senate for further consideration "The House loudly said today we support education in Oklahoma. We know we need to improve academic outcomes, reward our great teachers, give parents more choices with their child's education, get students in front of quality teachers in person more and get cell phones out of schools. The bills passed today will drive improvement in our schools and let kids be kids and teachers teach," said House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow. "I'm proud of the work the Senate has done to advance meaningful education reforms, and I appreciate the House for moving swiftly on this slate of critical legislation. These bills reflect our commitment to student achievement, classroom discipline and real support for teachers—especially in schools that need it most. From boosting math proficiency to limiting distractions like cell phones and expanding access to tutoring, we're focused on solutions that give every Oklahoma student a better shot at success. I look forward to these measures going to the governor for his signature as we continue working to strengthen education across our state," said Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle. Rep. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid and author of the legislation banning cell phones and making changes to the LNH scholarship program, said, "These bills are about raising the bar. Whether it’s boosting math skills, investing in high-impact tutoring, or ensuring every student—regardless of ability—has access to the school that meets their needs, we’re taking clear, actionable steps to improve outcomes for every child in Oklahoma.” Sen. Ally Seifried, R-Claremore and author of the legislation restricting cell phones and adding student supports to math similar to what the state has implemented in recent years for reading, said, "Cell phones are the biggest disruptions in classrooms. With this bill, we are giving teachers the authority and support they need to keep students focused and engaged from bell to bell.” “Today’s passage of these education reforms marks a meaningful victory for Oklahoma students, parents, and teachers," said House Speaker Pro Tem Anthony Moore, R-Clinton and author of the legislation improving student math supports and restricting virtual school days. "From increasing math proficiency and access for students with disabilities to ensuring focused learning environments free from cell phone distractions, we’re prioritizing academic outcomes and student success across the board.” ?“Kids learn best in the classroom,” said Sen. Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, who carried the bill through the Senate Education Committee and floor. “Virtual days have their place in emergencies, but we’ve seen them become a go-to solution in some districts — and that’s not fair to students or families. This bill strikes the right balance by preserving flexibility without compromising the quality of education.” "Oklahoma is not unique in facing a teacher shortage, and we must do all we can to pay our best teachers for the work they are doing every day. Many teachers tutor students and go above and beyond regularly without any additional pay, and this legislation would put a framework in place for districts to pay teachers more for the important work they are doing with our students," said Rep. Toni Hasenbeck, R-Elgin and author of bills supporting high dosage tutoring and OTEP changes.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Collin Duel, R-Guthrie, on Tuesday passed a bill in the House aimed at protecting Oklahoma's bioscience and research assets from being exploited by hostile foreign governments. Senate Bill 552 now moves to the governor for his consideration of signing it into law. "Foreign adversaries have made clear their intent to exploit sensitive biological data," Duel said. "We cannot allow Oklahoma’s institutions to be vulnerable to such risks. Oklahoma must remain vigilant in protecting our state’s security and ensuring that taxpayer dollars do not support entities that pose a risk to our nation." Duel, a combat veteran and former Army Ranger, has fought for similar protections of state assets in other areas of law. He said if the U.S. government designates a biotechnology company to be one of concern due to its close association with hostile foreign governments, any Oklahoma state agency that receives federal or state funds would be prohibited from using the company's equipment or services. The agency also would not be allowed to use a company that contracts with such an entity. Sen. Kelly Hines, R-Oklahoma City, is the Senate author of the measure. Hines is a retired U.S. Army Colonel. “Senate Bill 552 strengthens national security by safeguarding our bioscience and research assets from hostile foreign governments,” Hines said. “By ensuring state agencies don’t contract with companies designated as biotechnology companies of concern, we are protecting the integrity of our state’s innovation and securing the future of Oklahoma’s research sector.” Both lawmakers said Oklahoma has many world-class foreign researchers, and the bill is not intended to risk those relationships. They also acknowledged viable work with companies from around the globe. They said the bill targets a narrow category of foreign-government affiliated companies that are set on unlocking world-changing technologies with ill intent. The U.S. Senate is poised to consider similar legislation. While SB522 is meant to mirror the federal legislation, it establishes state-level protections regardless of whether the congressional bill passes.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Jim Grego, R-Wilburton, today commented on a bill that will move to the governor that would require food manufacturers to correctly label products that come from plants or insect proteins instead of identifying them as meat. House Bill 1126 passed the Senate this morning on a vote of 40-7. It previously passed the House on a vote of 86-7. The governor will now consider signing it into law. "People should know where their food comes from," Grego said. "If it comes from insect proteins, plant products, a Petri dish, no matter where it comes from, this legislation would make sure it's labeled correctly so people will know what they are consuming. We have to maintain a safe food supply." Grego thanked Sen. Roland Pederson, R-Burlington, the Senate author of the bill, for securing its passage in his legislative chamber. “This legislation will offer additional protections to Oklahoma consumers, ensuring they know exactly what they are purchasing and consuming, while also ensuring that those who aim to mislead consumers through deceptive advertising or the mislabeling of alternative meat products are held accountable,” Pederson said. “I extend my appreciation to Rep. Grego for bringing this bill forward this session and look forward to seeing it signed into law to support consumer protection and education, as well as truth in labeling.” Under the provisions of the bill, the burden of proof would be on the manufacturer and not the retailer, Grego said. The Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry would be responsible for investigating all credible complaints that food products are falsely advertised or misbranded as meat products. Any person convicted of violating the act shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.