Representative Chad Caldwell

Hi, I'm Chad Caldwell and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 40th District.


representative

News & Announcements


Feb 13, 2025
Recent Posts

"Bell to Bell, No Cell" Legislation First Bill Off House Floor

The House passed its first bill of the 60th legislative session today prohibiting the use of cell phones by students during the school day. The bill would require Oklahoma school boards to adopt policies prohibiting cell phone use on campus before the start of the next school year. Personal electronic devices, including smartwatches, are also included under the measure. Chairman of the House Appropriations Education Subcommittee Chad Caldwell authored  House Bill 1276  to eliminate distractions in the classroom and improve student academic outcomes. "The research is clear – cell phone use among young students is not only bad for their mental health, but also hurts academic outcomes," said Caldwell, R-Enid. "To pass legislation this meaningful this early in session with overwhelming bipartisan support is a testament to how important this issue is. Our kids and teachers deserve a phone-free environment at school and we are well on our way to making that a reality." The legislation requires that any policy prohibiting cell phone use must also include a provision for emergency use, including items used for medical issues. The bill also leaves it up to the local district how it chooses to implement the cell phone ban. "This bill protects local control while also allowing kids to be kids and teachers to teach when at school," said House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow. "I am proud that our caucus identified this as a priority before session and moved quickly to make this happen." Under HB1276, school boards could choose to allow student cell phone use but the policy must be approved annually. The bill passed the House floor with a vote of 82-9 and will now move to the Senate for further consideration. 



Feb 10, 2025
Recent Posts

House Passes "Bell to Bell, No Cell" Legislation Through First Oversight Committee

The House Education Oversight Committee today passed legislation that prohibits the use of cell phones by students during the school day. The legislation is the first bill to be heard and considered in the House's new two-tiered committee structure and is expected to be heard on the floor later this week. Chairman of the House Appropriations Education Subcommittee Chad Caldwell authored  House Bill 1276  to eliminate distractions in the classroom and improve student academic outcomes. The bill would require Oklahoma school boards to adopt policies prohibiting cell phone use on campus before the start of the next school year. Personal electronic devices, including smartwatches, are also included under the measure. "We have all seen the data and research showing the alarming effects of cell phone use among young students, and we have to take a stand against something we know is harming our kids' academic outcomes and mental health," said Caldwell, R-Enid. "I am thankful for the support of my caucus to make this a top priority this session, as evidenced by the speed at which we are hearing this legislation. Our kids and teachers deserve a phone-free environment at school." The legislation requires that any policy prohibiting cell phone use must also include a provision for emergency use, including items used for medical issues. The bill also leave it up to the local district how it chooses to implement the cell phone ban. "What makes sense for my high school that graduated 33 students in Depew Oklahoma is not what likely will make sense for Oklahoma City Public Schools," said House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow. "This bill protects local control while also allowing kids to be kids and teachers to teach when at school. The House, Senate and Governor are all aligned that this is a priority and we are moving forward quickly to give districts time to communicate with parents and students ahead of this change next school year." Under HB1276, school boards could choose to allow student cell phone use but the policy must be approved annually. The bill unanimously passed the House Education Oversight Committee 9-0 and will next be considered on the full House floor.



Feb 10, 2025
Recent Posts

Caldwell Seeks to Rename, Expand Regents' Scholarship Program

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid, today passed legislation in committee that would expand a full-ride scholarship program for Oklahoma's top academically performing students. House Bill 1282 would rename the existing Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education Academic Scholars Program to the Oklahoma Rising Scholars Award Act. The measure would guarantee full-ride scholarships for up to five years for qualifying students to attend an Oklahoma university or college. "These students are considered the best of the best in our state, and frankly the nation," Caldwell said. "We want to do everything we can to assure they attend college in Oklahoma, remain in the state to pursue careers, families, and to make our state the best it can be." HB1282 passed the House Appropriations & Budget Education Subcommittee and now moves to full A&B. The change in name is suggested to distinguish this program from one similarly named at the Oklahoma State Department of Education. Scholarships under the measure would be provided for Oklahoma students who: •        score in the top 0.5% on the ACT or SAT and have an exceptional GPA or class rank, as determined by the State Regents; •        are a Presidential Scholar; •        are a National Merit Scholar; •        are a National Merit Finalist; or •        are an institutional nominee. Lastly, the measure establishes how scholarship amounts will be calculated. Caldwell explained state colleges and universities, including private institutions, would waive tuition, with Regents picking up the remainder of the cost of the program. Caldwell said the program affects about 250 students per year. The Academic Scholars Program was established by the state Legislature in 1988. It helps cover the cost of room, board, tuition, books, and incidental fees for up to five years.