Search

ROPE Report

Open Search
Category

Legislation

Dystopia Reached: Oklahoma Republicans Continue Their March Toward Socialism By Redistributing Wealth Through EDUCATION

Not that Oklahoma – and Governor Stitt in particular – haven’t begun to truly love giving our tax dollars away and calling it an “investment“, but here’s yet another. A BIG one!

An “HISTORIC” 700 MILLION dollar “investment” in Oklahoma education. Here are some lines from the Senate press release praising this “historic” vote:

Here’s what’s in HB1935. To see the other “historic” “investments”, click on the link to the press release. There’s plenty there to read:

The Oklahoma State Senate today gave passage to its historic $700 million education package. 

Senators voted overwhelmingly on both measures 40 – to – 7 on House Bill 1935 and 46 – to – 2 on House Bill 2775, approving the single largest appropriations increase to education in state history, sending it back to the House of Representatives. 

Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, said the Senate did its job and delivered for teachers, children and parents. 

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/OKSENATE/bulletins/35206ac

Here’s what the press release says about HB1935:

HB 1935 will give parents additional options and control over their children’s education by providing a $100 million investment in school choice. This bill provides a $7,500 tax credit per eligible student each tax year if the eligible student attends a private school and the family has an income of less than $250,000. The bill also provides for a $1,000 tax credit per family, for certain qualified expenditures, each tax year if one or more eligible students is homeschooled. Valid receipts must be provided to OTC to receive the $1,000 tax credit.

NOT ONE OKLAHOMA REPUBLICAN SENATOR STOOD UP TO THIS. Not one.

Please, make sure you stop everything you’re doing and kiss your backside good-bye. Oklahoma is now a socialist state – and proud to be one. We just decided to take money from businesses and private citizens to educate the children of people making less than 250k at a private school.

Our family makes less than 250k. My husband and I both have Master’s degrees. We chose that I would stay home and educate our kids. We have never bought new cars, for years we couldn’t afford vacations, and we NEVER SPENT $7500 a year A PIECE on ANY of their educations – for FOUR kids.

Now, I get to be happy that, though we scrimped and sacrificed to provide our children with an education outside that provided by the government, others in our tax bracket can educate their kids at a private school ON MY DIME without that messy inconvenience of having to scrimp and sacrifice.

So let’s break down some issues with this “historic” investment :

1. The Oklahoma state government will take my property if I refuse to pay my property taxes and/or put me in jail if I don’t pay my income taxes and if I don’t pay my business taxes, they will divest me of the business I run which allows them to take my taxes.

2. The government cannot “invest” my tax dollars. They can’t take funds and apply ANY market ‘risk’ to the funds they steal from us by force. So the idea of an “historic” INVESTMENT is a complete crock.

2. The property taxes my husband and I pay for our schools are less than 2000. A tax credit – ideally – would be me not having to spend the money that comes out of my household that supports the public schools I DON’T USE. Can you imagine how fast the ‘public’ school would clean up when it became funded by a USE tax? If you can’t imagine, I’ll tell you: FAST, because THAT would be market competition – not this BS the legislature is selling calling it SCHOOL CHOICE.

3. Who pays the 750 million dollar price tag? Oklahoma citizens.

4. What happens if there isn’t a surplus, or we have a downturn in the economy? Where does the money come from then? If the ‘credit’ can’t be funded, where do all the kids go from private school who can’t afford it anymore? How much more will the legislature decide to ratchet up fees (they can’t call them taxes or a majority of the legislature has to agree which is why we haven’t had a tax increase in a long time – they learned they can tax us and call it a “fee” the legislature doesn’t have to agree to) when Oklahomans who have been hooked on the teat of FREE MONEY for PRIVATE SCHOOL have an absolute fit and demand ‘their’ money to finish educating their kids in private school? This ‘historic investment’ will become MEDICAIRE!!!

5. How many private schools are there to take all these new kids? Are there enough now? No, actually.

6. Does it make sense that enterprising Oklahoma legislators would go into the business of building private schools so they could make money on tuition?

7. What happens when a Satanist private school is built and accepts kids? The Supreme Court ruled recently that tax dollars can go to religious schools. What happens when my tax dollars fund a Satanist school? Wasn’t that one of the arguments against abortion? People were sick of their tax dollars funding abortions? Well I don’t want my tax dollars funding Satanic schools.

8. How many legislators/people complained it was socialism for Biden to pay for the student loans of flailing college students? ISN’T GIVING PARENTS 7500/KID TO GO TO PRIVATE SCHOOL THE SAME THING? What happens to those of us who schooled our kids on our own WITHOUT government help? Oh, that’s right. Tough luck – just like with business tax credits – the government will pick winners and losers and those of us with personal responsibility are the big losers.

9. The funding of public education is in Oklahoma’s constitution. The Oklahoma legislature is tasked with running these schools – hell, they make countless laws to make public schools kowtow to every year! IT’S THE LEGISLATURES JOB TO FIX OKLAHOMA PUBLIC SCHOOLS THAT AREN’T EDUCATING KIDS.

The legislature’s job isn’t to SHIRK their job and put that job off on parents and call it PARENTAL EMPOWERMENT.

10. How empowering is it to parents to have their taxes go up year after year to pay for public schools that don’t work and countless government programs so that they don’t have the money to educate their own children?

11. And the bottom line: how is it the GOVERNMENTS JOB TO PRIVATELY EDUCATE KIDS? The more government grows, the more our liberty shrinks, the more our liberty shrinks, the more socialist we become.

For God sakes! I feel so sorry for the people who have emigrated to Oklahoma from the left coast thinking they were going to get ‘freedom’ here. Here’s the bottom line, as Reagan said many times, “We’re only one generation away” from losing America.

Sadly, the subsequent generations from that quote were educated in government schools that took away their history, dumbed down their math, botched their reading so the majority of kids can’t read at grade level and hooked them on porn. AND WE HAD THE PLEASURE OF PAYING FOR THAT. Government is now king – personal responsibility is done for. Bye-bye America. Bye-bye Oklahoma. RIP.

0

Five Reasons Republicans Should Not Support Vouchers

Though few may pay it the attention it’s due, the Republican Party has a Platform snapshotting a picture of the basic things Party members generally believe. Oklahoma has its own Platform created through a process that eventually ends in a vote of acceptance at their biennial convention. The Oklahoma County GOP has a very good one page summary of the OKGOP Platform here.

According to this OKGOP Platform, these are five reasons Republicans should NOT support ‘School Choice’ vouchers (please see “An Analysis Of Three Oklahoma Voucher Bills” for more information on what the bills say):

  1. Republicans believe in “limited government“. In fact, that is where the term “conservative” arises. We wish to ‘conserve’ the rights to the people by limiting government to the smallest footprint possible. Every universal voucher bill filed in the senate creates 6 to 7 sections of NEW LAW. In fact, they expand the Oklahoma Treasurer’s office by providing it not less than 20 new duties.
  2. Republicans believe in “personal, moral responsibility“. Taxpayers are forced to pay taxes to governments. If their taxes are not paid, the government will either take our property or our liberty (by throwing us in jail). Once the money leaves our hands, it’s not ours anymore. It is placed into one giant pot over which we have minimal control – through our legislators (taxation with representation) – as to how it’s spent. We can’t use government as a bank – our money isn’t earmarked as ours once it goes into the pot – all we can do is use the services our lawmakers choose to provide us for the money we must provide them from our budgets.
    • It is our personal, moral responsibility to raise and educate our children the way we believe is best.
    • It is the personal, moral responsibility of our elected lawmakers to do what is necessary to make government – including public schools – produce results and be accountable to the taxpayer whose dollars they appropriate.
    • It is the personal, moral responsibility of parents to move their lawmakers to force educational results (accountability) on our public schools, but it is also our personal, moral responsibility not to go to our lawmakers and demand more of our neighbor’s money so that we can put our children in schools we couldn’t otherwise afford without help. That is called welfare and/or socialism – definitely NOT a Republican ideal.
  3. Republicans believe in “individual liberty“. If the government gives a private school taxpayer dollars from the public coffers, taxpayers have the right to demand accountability for those dollars. This accountability can put boundaries on “individual liberty”. The Class Wallet debacle shows this to be true in spades.
    • In 2020, Oklahoma government officials – including now State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Ryan Walters – contracted with a PRIVATE organization called “Class Wallet” to disseminate over 17 million dollars in GEER funds (Governor’s Emergency Educational Relief). Parents who privately schooled their children were gifted $6500 for tuition to the tune of 10 million dollars total through the “Stay In School” program. Public school parents who needed help schooling their children online were gifted up to $1500 through the “Bridge The Gap” program.
    • Today, federal and state auditors are investigating over one half million dollars in GEER funds that were spent on things other than education, essentially defrauding the taxpayer. This same thing also happened in Arizona, through their private voucher program.
    • According to The Frontier, the Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) is sending emails to identified users of the programs – for apparent accountability measures – asking, “What was the particular purpose surrounding your purchases during the pandemic?” And “were you homeschooling your children, or were they still in school?” ROPE has expressed continuous concern that homeschooling families taking government money would be assimilated by the government. The government gave away the money without guardrails – what good could it do to determine if families schooled at home or not?
    • Once the government begins to separate homeschooling families from private school families and online public school families from homeschooling families, Oklahoma’s previously undefined, but Constitutionally protected use of education “by other means” is in jeopardy of becoming regulated by the state, thus subverting the “individual liberty” of parents to school their children without state interference.
  4. Republicans believe in “state sovereignty“. Unfortunately, the Oklahoma legislature and public schools LOVE to get federal funding. In fact, according to this article from 2022, Oklahoma is 15th in the amount of federal funding we receive.
  5. Republicans believe in the “free market“. Public/private partnerships are not “free market”. Once the government – at any level – injects money into a private company/organization/school, the business to which the funds were given, now has an edge over the wholly-privately-owned businesses that weren’t able to, or didn’t, capitalize on on government handouts.
    • Nowhere is this better seen than the distribution of CARES Act monies. According to Forbes, private equity firms used federal funds to boost profits, crushing their competitors, the ‘little guys’ who weren’t able to capitalize on federal loans.
    • The “free market” describes a system of business free from government intervention, where businesses compete with each other so that the best companies prevail. Injecting public funds into a private school will create an imbalance in the private school system in which those taking state funding will grow and those that don’t, won’t. Sadly, the ones NOT taking public funds will do so to retain their autonomy, yet parents will slowly be denied access to an autonomous private school as the public-fund-sucking schools overpower their marketshare – leaving parents – AGAIN – with less choice than they had BEFORE government intervention.

Vouchers, like the Republican-pushed Common Core before it, are not based on Republican ideals and they will not work for Oklahoma families just like they haven’t in states like Arizona that have tried them.

As we’ve pointed out again and again, Oklahoma HAS SCHOOL CHOICE! We have a voucher program – the Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarship for children with disabilities. We have the Opportunity Scholarship Fund which uses donations to “help[s] low-income families bridge the financial gap between what they can afford and what is best suited for their student for specialized PreK-12 education”. According to the Oklahoma section of the “National School Choice Week” website, Oklahoma has approximately 60 charter schools, several magnate schools, over 200 private schools, six fully online public schools, Constitutionally protected homeschool, and “learning pods”. The idea that ‘vouchers’ are required to somehow provide parents with school choice, should make one wonder then – what exactly do the people pushing “school choice” legislation really want?

2

An Analysis of Three Oklahoma Voucher Bills:  SB822 (Daniels, 23), SB943(Jett, 23), SB1647 (Treat, 22)

To study the Voucher (state aid – aka tax dollars/public funds – for private schools) issue in Oklahoma, I have reviewed three Oklahoma voucher bills originating in the Oklahoma Senate – one from 2022, the other two from the 2023 legislative session – and compared them against each other.

According to an article in 538 – 14 states already have universal voucher programs or are attempting them via legislation in 2023. 

Oklahoma, then, is not leading, we’re simply following the explosion of ‘universal’ voucher legislation being forwarded through the states from a variety of national, multimillion dollar private, non-profit organizations, including Milton Friedman’s EdChoice, a Charles Koch/Walton Foundation joint venture called yes. every. kid., Jeb Bush’s ExcelInEd, The Walton Family Foundation, Betsy DeVos’ American Federation for Children, and a conglomeration of many school choice advocate groups led by DeVos under the umbrella The Alliance For School Choice and Americans For Prosperity.  

Oklahoma houses state groups operating under their national parents – American Federation for Children and AFP – as well as Oklahoma-originated “choice” groups,  OCPA and Scissortail, both of which are interconnected and involved with the groups Choice Matters and the Parent Voice Oklahoma network. 

Yearly, millions of dollars are spent by ‘school choice’ advocacy groups, whose donations fund election campaigns for and against ‘choice’ candidates and lobbying efforts, instead of creating and seeding the Education Savings Accounts they spend so much money on lobbyists to force STATE TAX PAYERS to fund.

OKLAHOMA PARENTS HAVE EDUCATIONAL CHOICE

Let’s be clear.  Oklahoma parents have EDUCATIONAL CHOICE.  In fact, one of the first school “choice” organizations, EdChoice, outlines the variety of ‘choices’ available to parents in Oklahoma on their website, saying:

“Oklahoma offers K–12 students and their families several types of school choice, including two private school choice programs, charter schools, magnet schools, home schooling and inter-district public school choice via an open enrollment policy.”

So, not only does Oklahoma have a WIDE VARIETY of choices available to parents to educate their children, we also have TWO SEPARATE WAYS to help Oklahoma public school students attend PRIVATE SCHOOLS without further legislation.

If Oklahoma already has full Educational Choice, what does the term “School Choice” mean other than specifically, “universal vouchers”.

If Oklahoma already has full Educational Choice, then why must Oklahoma institute Universal vouchers?  Vouchers, like other ‘private/public’ partnerships take private schools and introduce money from the state coffers.  All state money should come with strings that provide public accountability for the money forcibly taken from the tax payer and benevolently gifted to another for use.  In that case public money MUST impose restrictions on private schools/institutions that weren’t there before the public dollars were introduced.  Thus, private becomes – in essence – public, no matter what any legislation says.

Why would Oklahomans want to be deprived of the choice of true private schools?  How does that action provide educational choice?  And for all the tin-foil-hat-wearing readers – doesn’t making all schools public provide excellent inroads toward one world government?  Just a few thoughts to mull over while reading the mechanics of the bills.

OKLAHOMA BILLS

All three bills have the same opening lines in Section 1 (the first section of New Law) – my favorite of which begins, “It is the intent of the legislature…”  Apparently the authors haven’t read the axiom about the road to hell and intent.

By my count, all three bills make the State Treasurer’s office responsible for no less than 20 EXTRA jobs – and that’s on top of the biggest job of all – accountability for a whole new Revolving Fund storing taxpayer dollars.

SB822’s (’23, Julie Daniels; co-author SB1647 ’22) voucher program is called the “Oklahoma Education Freedom Act”.  Freedom, however, isn’t provided by 7 new sections added to the overcrowded books of Oklahoma law.

SB943’s (’23, Shane Jett; co-author SB1647 ’22) voucher program is called, “The Oklahoma Parent Empowerment Act for Kids Account – or the OK PEAK Account”.  The state cannot ‘empower’ parents by taking money from their budgets by force and then offering that money to others to do something they couldn’t already do on their own budget.  That’s welfare, not empowerment. 

SB1647’s (’22 Greg Treat) voucher program was to be called, “The Oklahoma Empowerment Act”.  (To find the text of the bill, go to the Oklahoma Legislature.  From the top menu, click on “Legislation”, then click on “Advanced Bill Search”.  Type in SB1647 in left box, pull down 2022 regular session and select, then push “retrieve”.  Click on the “floor version” hyperlink as that was the bill voted on in the Senate last year.)

BASIC INFO:

DescriptionSB1647SB822SB943
Identifies the Treasury as “Agent/Agency” over created student accounts – drastically expanding that officeXXX
Number of new sections added to Oklahoma State law676
Stipulates qualifying student must be within 300% of income to qualify for free or reduced lunchX  
Calculation made for each eligible student approved to participate in the Account =  total State Aid factors including pupil category weights for the applicable school year X grade weight generated by the student for the applicable school yearXXX
Constitutional homeschoolers carved out of participation with specific language “other means of education”X––

Here I will summarize ALL parts of the bills.  In some cases, I will copy the bill word-for-word and CAPITALIZE the lettering.  These are the points that need careful consideration and the points on which I will opine in my next piece.

FYI:  ESP = Education Service Provider, OSDE = Oklahoma State Department of Education, Agency = The Oklahoma State Treasurer’s Office.  Act is used to cover EVERY Act since they are nearly 100% similar and Account is used to denote every Account though the bills give them specific names.

SPECIFIC INFO:

DescriptionSB1647SB822SB943
*Section 2 (New Law); definitions are all the same excepting Act/Account names XXX
Section 2C1; Applications made to Agency – no deadline for submissionXXX
Section 2C2; Agency establish procedures to approve applications – parents agree to: Use Account for only qualified expenses, NOT ENROLL STUDENT IN FULL-TIME PUBLIC SCHOOL, Comply w/Agency rules, NOT ACCEPT Lindsey Nicole Henry SCHOLARSHIP FOR STUDNETS W DISABILITIESXXX
Section 2C3; Antidiscrimination provision–XX
Section 2D; Student not required to be ENROLLED FULL OR PART TIME IN A PRIVATE BRICK/MORTAR OR ONLINE SCHOOLXXX
Section 2E; Accounts may be closed if: Student RE-ENROLLS IN PUBLIC SCHOOL FULL TIMEX––
Student ENROLLED FULL TIME IN PUBLIC SCHOOL–XX
Intentional misuse, Graduation, or age 21XXX
Section 2F; If student moves to PUBLIC SCHOOL deposits suspended/remitted to GR fund at year endXXX  
Section 2G1; Agency requests state aid eligibility from OSDE (via calculation listed above) Student accounts funded monthlyAgency notifies OSDE regarding account changesXXX
Section 2H; ESP can’t share/refund/rebate money to parent or student only to AccountXXX
Section 2I; PARENTS PROBHIBITED FROM DEPOSITING INTO ACCOUNTXXX
Section 2J; Account monies NOT TAXABLEXXX
Section 2K; Funds accrue monthly/yearlyXXX
Section 3 (New Law)A; Agency maintains public list of ESPsXXX
Section 3B; Agency provides Account holders information including the ROLE OF ANY PRIVATE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT FIRM OR OTHER PRIVATE ORGANIZATION WITH WHICH THE AGENCY MAY CONTRACT TO ADMIN THE ACTXXX
Section 3C; Agency provides Account students w/disabilities notice  that PARTICIPATION IN THE ACCOUNT SHALL HAVE THE SAME EFFECT AS A PARENTAL REVOCATION OF CONSENT PURSUANT TO 20 U.S.C., SECTIONS 1414(a)(1)(D) AND 1414(C) OF THE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES EDUCATION ACT (IDEA) and rights parents of Account holders have under IDEA and any applicable state laws/regulations.XXX
Section 3D; AGENCY MAY CONTRACT WITH PRIVATE FINANCIAL MGT FIRM OR OTHER PRIVATE ORG TO ADMIN ACCOUNT.XXX
Section 3E; Agency may withhold funding from deposits to admin Account at 5% first 2 yrs and 3% yearly afterXXX
Section 3F; Agency SHALL establish system to pay ESPs from Account via electronic or online funds transferXXX
Section 3F1; Payment system requirementsXXX
Section 3F2; AGENCY MAY CONTRACT W PRIVATE ENTITIES TO DEVELOP PAYMENT SYSTEMXXX
Section 3G; Agency implement rating system for ESPsXXX
Section 3H; Partial payments in advance of services may be paid to ESP and then deducted from depositsXXX
Section 3I; AGENCY HAS AUTHORITY TO CONDUCT/CONTRACT FOR ACCOUNT AUDITING – SHALL CONDUCT RANDOM AUDITS OF 10% OF ACCOUNTS ANNUALLYXXX
Section 3J; Agency as authority to remove eligibility if intentional/substantial misuse of Account fundsXXX
Section 3J1; Agency creates procedures to determine misuse. If misuse by parent, student shall be eligible in future X X X
Section 3J2; Agency has authority to refer to AG for fraud investigationXXX
Section 3J3; Parents may appeal revocation of account eligibilityXXX
Section 3K; Agency may cease payments to ESP for: Intentional misrepresentation/failed to refund overpaymentsRoutine failure to provide servicesXXX
Section 3L; Agency shall create procedures for ESP sanctions, ESP must notify parents if prohibited, ESP may appeal prohibitionXXX
Section 3M; AGENCY MAY ACCEPT GIFTS AND GRANTS FROM ANY SOURCE TO SUPPORT ADMINISTRATION OF ACCOUNT TO – ADVERTISE PROGRAM – AND FUND ADDITIONAL ACCOUNTSXXX
Section 3N; Agency promulgate rules for Act Creation of anonymous online fraud reporting service, Creation of anonymous phone hotline for fraud reporting, Requiring surety bond for ESPs funded over 100KRefunding payments from ESPs back to AccountsXXX
Section 4 (New Law)A; AGENCY MAY APPROVE ESPs ON OWN INITIATIVE, AT REQUEST OF PARENTS, AT REQUEST OF A PROSPECTIVE ESP.XXx
Section 4B; Prospective ESP shall Submit notice to Agency of desire to participate and receive funds, AGREE NOT TO REFUND, REBATE, OR SHARE ACCOUNT FUNDS WITH PARENTS/STUDENTSXXX
Section 4C; Public school of Account student must provide records to PRIVATE SCHOOL ESPXXX
Section 4D; NOTHING IN THIS ACT SHALL LIMIT THE INDEPENCE OR AUTONOMY OF AN ESP OR MAKE THE ACTIONS OF AN ESP THE ACTIONS OF STATE GOVERNMENT. ESPs SHALL BE GIVEN MAXIMUM FREEDOM TO PROVIDE FOR THE EDUCATIONA NEEDS OF ACCOUNT STUDENTS WITHOUT GOVERNMENAL CONTROL. AN ESP ACCEPTING PAYMENTS FROM ACCOUNT AS DIRECTED BY PARENTS PURSUANT TO THIS ACT SHALL NOT BE CONSIDERED AN AGENT OF THE STATE OR FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.AN ESP SHALL NOT BE REQUIRED TO ALTER ITS CREED, PRACTICES, ADMISSIONS POLICY OR CURRICULUM TO ACCEPT PAYMENTS AS DIRECTY BY PARENTS FROM AN ACCOUNT.XXX
Section 4E; NOTHING IN THIS ACT SHALL BE CONSTRUED TO EXPAND THE REGULATORY AUTHORITY OF THE STATE, ITS OFFICERS, OR ANY PUBLIC SCHOOL TO IMPOSE ANY ADDITIONAL REGULATION OF ESPs BEYOND THOSE NECESSARY TO ENFORCE THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE ACCOUNT.XXX
Section 4F; If judicial finding of noncompliance w D/E Agency docked 5% in state funding for following fiscal year–XX
Section 4G; Account student/parent has cause of action against Agency in case of noncompliance w D/E_XX
Section 5 (New Law); Creates continuing, yearly, revolving fund for Account.  Account SHALL CONSIST OF ALL MONIES RECEIVED BY THE OFFICE OF THE STATE TREASURER FROM APPROPRIATIONS, GIFTS, GRANTS, DONATIONS AND BEQUESTS. Agency budgets, appropriates and expends Account monies. Expenditures made by Agency issued warrants.XXX
Section 6 (New Law)A; State bears burden in legal proceedings challenging application of Act to ESPXXX
Section 6B; NO LIABILITY SHALL ARISE ON PART OF AGENCY, THE STATE, A PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT/CHARTER/MAGNATE SCHOOL BASED ON AWARD OF OR USE OF AN ACCOUNTXXX
Section 6C; If the Act is challenged in court, parents are allowed to defend the Act against the challengeXXX
Section 6D; The Act provisions are severable so that if one is struck by the court, the rest of the Act survivesXXX
Section 7 (New Law); An additional $274,743,402 will be appropriated to the OSDE to support public schools X 
Section 7 (Section 8, SB822); Act effective July 1, 2023XXX
Section 8 (Section 9, SB822); Emergency clauseXXX

* Selected definitions:

            4. Education Service Provider (ESP) = person, business, public school district, public charter school, magnet school, institution with The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education, or organization that receives payments from a parent directing an Account to provide educational goods and/or services to Account students.

            5. Eligible Student = resident of the state eligible to enroll in a public school in the state

            6. Account student = eligible student approved to participate in Account

            7. Qualified Expenses include: tuition/fees to PRIVATE school, NON-PUBLIC ONLINE school, services contracted for and provided by a PUBLIC DISTRICT or PUBLIC SCHOOL, instructional materials, computer/technology needs, tuition/fees for extracurricular activities, NATIONALLY STANDARDIZED ASSESSMENTS, tuition/fees for summer programs, tuition/fees to a technology center school, OCCUPATIONAL/BEHAVIORAL/PHYSICAL/SPEECH-LANGUAGE/AUDIOLOGY therapies, tuition/fees concurrent enrollment, transportation fees, ANY OTHER QUALIFIED EXPENSE APPROVED BY THE AGENCY

SB943 (Jett) includes the following definitions not found in the other bills. Though the definitions are included in SB943, there is not a single place in the bill that mentions either definition:

            9. “Reporting Agency” =

                        a. parent’s state representative or senator

                        b. the board of education for the resident district of the parent, as determined by Section 1-113 of Title 70 of the OK Statutes

                        c. the State Board of Education, or

                        d. the county sheriff for the county in which the parent resides

            10. “Trigger district” = a school district in this state where (a whole range of liberal/woke concepts/activities) have been tolerated:

                        a. example; obscene books, furries, sex ed, gender identity/sexual orientation instruction

1

House Education Bills Beginning 3/22/22

Entries in Yellow FAILED in House Common Ed Committee

Entries in Grey NOT HEARD on the floor of the House

Entries in Red FAILED on the Floor of the House

Entries in Blue NOT HEARD in Senate Ed Committee Or FAILED On The FLOOR of the SENATE

Entries in Orange FAILED or NOT HEARD on the Floor of the SenateDO NOT SUORT

Bills marked as WATCH are those with which ROPE has concern.

WATCH—–HB1616 – Bennett and Garvin – Student drivers; creating the Hope Shaffer Act; prohibiting student driver from operating a motor vehicle when other students are passengers; effective date.  Please find Oklahoma Teen Driving Laws HERE   – Hope Shaffer passed away (1/16/20) as a result of a traffic accident which occurred when a driver rear-ended a car containing STUDENT DRIVERS.  Public Safety Committee (2/23) – Aye 4 Nay 5 – FAILED Business and Commerce Committee (3/2) – Aye 11 Nay 0 – HOUSE FLOOR 3/23/22 – Aye 91 Nay 1 Excused 8 Committee On Public Safety – Aye 5 Nay 5 – FAILED

—–HB1919 – Blancett- there is an amendment to change the enacting date. School counselors – workforce pipeline crisis. Changes student counselor ratio – increases by 973 more counselors. This is a pure business development perspective.  (We don’t educate kids for jobs but to be whole citizens.) Bill says shall, so a mandate not a goal.     8 Aye 4 Nay – NEVER HEARD ON THE HOUSE FLOOR

SUPPORT—–HB2768 – House Randleman, Senate Standridge – Education; creating the Dysgraphia and Education Task Force; professional development; dysgraphia; dyslexia; emergency.  Aye 10 Nay 0 – HOUSE FLOOR 3/23/22 Aye 93 Nay 0 Excused 7

Senate Education Committee Aye 10 Nay 0 SENATE FLOOR –

WATCH—–HB2969 – Walke and Merrick – Data privacy; Oklahoma Computer Data Privacy Act; consumer protection; civil penalties; effective date.  ROPE WILL ONLY SUPPORT THIS BILL IN THE SENATE IF THE AMENDMENTS MADE IN THE HOUSE ARE REMOVED AND THE BILL IS RESTORED TO ITS ORIGINAL FORM.  Passed Technology Committee 2/21/22 – No Committee votes recorded on oklegislature.gov  – HOUSE FLOOR 3/23/22 Aye 74 Nay 15 Excused 11

SUPPORT—–HB2991 – Rick West – 4H bill allowing students not to be considered absent from school for 4H activities. 12 Aye 0 Nay – HOUSE FLOOR 3/22/22 Aye 75 Nay 15

SENATE Education Committee – Amendment Aye 10 Nay 0 – Bill Aye 11 Nay 0 SENATE FLOOR –

WATCH—–HB3038 – Boles – Schools; student transfers; permitting school district to give preference for sibling transfers; emergency. DOES PROVIDE LOCAL CONTROL FOR TRANSFERS, LANGUAGE JUST SPECIFIES SIBLING TRANSFERS WITH PREVIOUSLY-TRANSFERRED STUDENT.  12 Aye, 0 Nay – HOUSE FLOOR – 94 Aye 2 Nay Excused 4

SENATE Education Committee – Aye 12 Nay 0 SENATE FLOOR –

SUPPORT—–HB3084 – House, Hilbert – Senate, Pugh; struck title – transportation of students outside certain boundaries “A school district board of education may provide transportation to students living outside of the boundaries and routes established by the State Board of Education.” GIVES POWER TO DISTRICT TO DECIDE.  Aye 11  Nay 0 – HOUSE FLOOR 3/7/22,  Aye 91 Nay 5

SUPPORT—–HB3086 – Hilbert and Pugh – schools; authorizing school district to use portion of transportation funds for transportation grants – effective date, emergency – “Beginning in the 2022-2023 school year, a school district may use a portion of the transportation funds allocated to the  school district pursuant to Section 18-201.1 of Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes to provide transportation grants to parents or legal guardians of students who attend the school district.”  SCHOOL DISTRICT CAN DO SO OR NOT.  Appropriations and Budget Committee 3/1/22 24 Aye 3 Nay – HOUSE FLOOR 3/14/22 – Aye 61 Nay 27 Excused 12

Senate Appropriations Committee – Aye 15 Nay 4 SENATE FLOOR –

WATCH—–HB3092 – Hilbert (Bristow) Directing library media program to be reflective of community standards when acquiring materials resources – for age appropriate content. Waldron doesn’t like ‘rhetoric about pornography’…ultimate control librarians. Caldwell wants to know what happens when parents and school boards disagree. Why do we need this? Hilbert wants local standards not federal or national standards.  THIS BILL DOES NOT DO MUCH OF ANYTHING BECAUSE OF THE DISAGREEMENT OVER THE TERM “COMMUNITY STANDARDS”.  10 Aye Waldron Nay  – HOUSE FLOOR Aye 89 Nay 7

Senate Education Committee – Aye 12 Nay 0 SENATE FLOOR –

SUPPORT—–HB3159 – Kevin West, Jake Merrick -Schools; children with contagious disease or head lice from attending school; including communicable disease; striking prohibition for children afflicted with head lice; effective date.  REPEALS LANGUAGE TO ALLOW PARENTS BETTER CONTROL  Aye 9 No 0 – HOUSE FLOOR 3/22/22 Aye 55 Nay 35

DO NOT SUPPORT—–HB3373 – Tammy West – School textbooks; clarifying when a school district may petition the State Board of Education; emergency.  NEW LANGUAGE APPEARS TO MIRROR THAT IN A PREVIOUS SECTION.  REASON FOR BILL UNCLEAR.  Aye 10 Nay 0 – HOUSE FLOOR 3/9/22 Aye 94 Nay 0

Senate Education Committee – Aye 12 Nay 0 SENATE FLOOR –

DO NOT SUPPORT—–HB3374 – Tammy West and Pemberton (Senate) – Community schools; authorizing the State Board of Education to assist in establishing community school pilot projects; effective date.  THE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS PROGRAM WAS VESTED IN THE ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION ACT BY PRESIDENT OBAMA IN 2016. WWW.COMMIUNITYSCHOOLS.ORG LISTS SOME OF THEIR PARTNERS AS THE AFT AND VALUE EQUITY, DEMOCRACY AND HARMONY WHILE TRAINING MEMBERS ON POWER, PRIVILEGE AND INTERSECTIONALITY.  MOST IMPORTANTLY, COMMUNITY SCHOOLS ARE TO PROVIDE FOR CHILDREN EVERYTHING A FAMILY CAN, FURTHER DESTROYING THE FAMILY BY SEPARATING CHILDREN FROM PARENT/S.  THERE ARE TWO NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS WHICH FUNCTION TO PUSH COMMUNITY SCHOOLS; NATIONAL CENTER FOR COMMUNITY SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY SCHOOLS.  I WOULD IMAGINE THE ‘HOPE TRAINING’ INVOLVED IN THE BILL RELATES TO SARAH STITT’S HOPE RISING OKLAHOMA, HOWEVER, COMMUNITY SCHOOLS WILL QUICKLY BE ORGANIZED BY THE LEFT AND USED TO CONTINUE FURTHERING THE LEFTIST AGENDA USING TAXPAYER DOLLARS.  Aye 9 Nay 0 – HOUSE FLOOR 3/22/22 Aye 78 Nay 12

Senate Education Committee – Aye 10 Nay 2 SENATE FLOOR –

—–HB3432 – Kerbs: moving feeding programs in schools to the Department of Ag. (Mirror bill SB1624)  14 Aye 0 Nay NEVER HEARD ON THE HOUSE FLOOR                                    MIRROR BILL IN THE SENATE: SB1624 By Pugh of the Senate – School meals; granting the Board of Agriculture the authority to administer the National School Lunch Act. Effective date. Emergency. 

DO NOT SUPPORT—–HB3468 – Lawson and Rosino – Parent Representation Act; Parent Representation Program; Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth; funds; duties; exception; Parent Representation Program Revolving Fund; audit; annual report; effective date – “The Parent Representation Program shall ensure that all counsel are members of the Oklahoma Bar Association in good standing and are adequately trained.”   OKLAHOMA HAS THE OKLAHOMA INDIGENT DEFENSE SYSTEM WHICH IS TAXPAYER SUPPORTED.  THIS BILL IS TO PROVIDE TRAINING FOR THOSE ATTORNEYS IN THE SYSTEM.  THIS IS A HUGE EXPANSION OF GOVERNMENT. WOULD SIMPLY BE EASIER AND MORE EFFICIENT TO EITHER FIND A NON-PROFIT DEDICATED TO TRAINING FAMILY ATTORNEYS OR – INCREASE THE OIDS BUDGET TO ALLOW FOR TRAINING AND OTHER ASPECTS IN THIS BILL?  WHY COULDN’T THE OKLAHOMA BAR ASSOCIATION HELP PROVIDE LOW COST TRAINING?  CHILD WELFARE IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT, HOWEVER, THE MORE WE GROW GOVERNMENT THE LESS FAMILIES HAVE TO CARE FOR THEMSELVES.  Appropriations and Budget Committee 3/1/22  27 Aye  0 Nay – HOUSE FLOOR 3/14/22 – Aye 90 Nay 0 Excused 10

—–HB3500 – McEntire: increase penalty for assault and battery on a teacher to a felony. Questions regarding aggravated assault vs simple assault.  13 Aye 0 Nay  NEVER HEARD ON THE HOUSE FLOR

—–HB3502 – Hardin and Pemberton of the Senate – gives local authorities to keep a child in school after they turn 18. Homeschool included. Associate district judge of Adair County spoke.  11 Aye 1 Nay (Caldwell) NEVER HEARD ON THE HOUSE FLOOR

SUPPORT—–HB3505 – Provenzano, Montgomery – Student loans; Oklahoma Student Borrower’s Bill of Rights Act; prohibiting student loan servicer from failing to provide certain loan forgiveness information; effective date.  AMENDMENT TO EXISTING BILL ADDING LANGUAGE: “Fail to inform student loan borrower borrowers if their type of loan does not qualify for loan forgiveness programs.”  No committee votes recorded on oklegislature.gov – HOUSE FLOOR 3/22/22 Aye 92 Nay 0 Excused 8

Senate Judiciary Committee – Aye 9 Nay 0 SENATE FLOOR –

SUPPORT—–HB3506 Provenzano – Teachers; providing exemption from Professional Learning Focus for teacher who exceeds certain amount of professional development; effective date. “If the total amount of required federal, state, and local school district professional development for a teacher exceeds twenty-four (24) hours in a single school year, the teacher shall be exempt from completing the Professional Learning Focus requirement for the school year.”  10 Aye Nay 0 – HOUSE FLOOR 3/9/22 Aye 87 Nay 3

—–HB3545 – Chad Caldwell –  Creating the Statewide Oklahoma Charter Schools Act – striking title – did not work with ossba/Coosa, etc worked with charter schools. State authorizer is being changed. Yea 6  Nay 4 NEVER HEARD ON THE HOUSE FLOOR

—–HB3552 – Chad Caldwell, Haste draft – Making pilot teacher certification program started in Tulsa in 2019 permanent Aye 4 No 6 FAILED IN COMMITTEE

—–HB3643 – Dills and Pemberton – Schools; virtual charter schools; modifying and establishing requirements for governing boards which contract with certain management organizations; effective date; emergency. 11 Aye, 0 Nay – HOUSE FLOOR 3/14/22 Aye 95 Nay 0

SENATE Education Committee Aye 11 Nay 6 SENATE FLOOR –

—–HB3644 – Dills and Taylor – Schools; modifying various provisions of the Oklahoma Charter Schools Act and related sections of law to provide for additional transparency; effective date; emergency. 12 Aye, 0 Nay – HOUSE FLOOR 3/14/22 Aye 94 Nay 0

—–HB3645 – Dills and Pemberton – Virtual charter schools; modifying attendance requirements for virtual charter school alternative education programs; effective date. 12 Aye, 0 Nay – HOUSE FLOOR 3/9/22 Aye 93 Nay 0

SENATE Ed Committee – Aye 11 Nay 0 SENATE FLOOR –

SUPPORT—–HB3655 – Sterling and Kidd – Schools; subject matter standards; including agricultural power and technology in fine arts curriculum; effective date. ADDS AGRICULTURE CLASSES AS ALTERNATIVES FOR GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS, GIVING STUDENTS MORE OPTIONS FOR COMPLETING REQUIRED COURSEWORK 11 Aye, 1 Nay, HOUSE FLOOR 2/22/22 Aye 78 Nay 13

SUPPORT—–HB3656 – Sterling and Weaver – Schools; authorizing school district to offer law enforcement elective course to juniors and seniors; effective date. “A school district may offer to students in grades eleven and twelve an elective course in law enforcement.” SCHOOL NOT REQUIRED, BUT MAY, OFFER SUCH CLASSES. PROVIDES STUDENTS WITH OPTIONS. 12 Aye, 0 Nay – HOUSE FLOOR 88 Aye, 2 Nay, 10 Excused

Senate Education Committee – Aye 12 Nay 0 SENATE FLOOR –

SUPPORT—–HB3658 – Sterling and Pemberton -Teacher certification; Oklahoma Teacher Preparation Act; removing requirement to pass the general education portion of the competency examination; emergency. “Has passed the general education and subject area portions portion of the competency examination required in Section 6-187 of this title in the area of specialization for which certification is sought” 12 Aye 0 Nay – HOUSE FLOOR 3/8/22 91 Aye Nay 0 Excused 9

Senate Education Committee – Aye 11 Nay 1 SENATE FLOOR –

SUPPORT —–HB3702 – Russ and Weaver – Schools; providing for digital or online library database resources to students under certain conditions; effective date. A HELPFUL LIBRARY BILL. Judiciary – Criminal Committee 3/2/22 – 6 Aye 4 Nay – HOUSE FLOOR 3/24/22 – Aye 87 Nay 0 Excused 13

Senate Education Committee – Aye 10 Nay 2 SENATE FLOOR –

DO NOT SUPPORT—–HB3720 – School curriculum; requiring Holocaust education in public schools; effective date; emergency. OKLAHOMA COVERS THE HOLOCAUST IN ITS CURRENT STANDARDS – USH.5.3 Summarize American reactions to the events of the Holocaust resulting in United States participation in the Nuremberg Trials which held Nazi leaders accountable for war crimes. (PG 59) SCHOOL BOARDS ARE THE CURRICULA AUTHORITY FOR EACH DISTRICT. IF PARENTS WISH SCHOOL BOARDS TO ADD CURRICULA REGARDING THE HOLOCAUST THEY SHOULD DO SO. Appropriations and Budget Committee 3/1/22  23 Aye  0 Nay – HOUSE FLOOR 3/14/22 – Aye 80 Nay 5 Excused 15

DO NOT SUPPORT—–HB3823 – Newton and Rosino – Schools; vision screening; specifying that optometrists and ophthalmologists may perform screening; adding exemptions; effective date. ABSOLUTELY NOT. THIS IS A BILL FOR OPHTALMOLOGISTS AND OPTOMETRISTS TO GAIN ENTRY TO PARENTS VIA SCHOOLS. SCHOOLS MAY PROVIDE VISION SCREENING, REPORT RESULTS TO PARENTS AND LET PARENTS DECIDE WHICH DOCTOR THEIR CHILD WILL SEE FOR REMEDY. 11 Aye, 0 Nay – HOUSE FLOOR 3/8/22 Aye 92 0 Nay

Senate Health and Human Services Committee – Aye 8 Nay 0 SENATE FLOOR –

—–HB3872 – Phillips and Taylor – An Act relating to schools; amending 70 O.S. 2021, Sections 3-132 and 3-134, which relate to the Oklahoma Charter Schools Act; modifying sponsorship of certain schools which contract with the Office of Juvenile Affairs; deleting requirement of physical location for certain charter school; and declaring an emergency. 10 Aye 0 Nay – HOUSE FLOOR 3/9/22 – 87 Aye 0 Nay

SENATE Education Committee – Aye 11 Nay 0 SENATE FLOOR –

WATCH (UNNECESSARY) —–HB3896 – Hassenbeck – reinstate a denotation in our standards for teachers to work with library specialists on best practices standard? “As subject matter standards are reviewed according to this section, they shall denote in the text of the standard if the standard has information literacy implications. The denotation shall be a way to notify teachers that it is best practice for the teacher to collaborate with school library media personnel in providing instruction for the specified standard.” 14 Aye 0 Nay

—–HB3968 – Burns: working draft – allows students to transfer to schools during summer and play sports the first year. An amendment. (Mirror bill in senate) Hilbert Waldron Rosecrans Aye 11 Nay FAILED IN COMMITTEE

SUPPORT—–HB4014 – Conley and Bergstrom – Public libraries; disclosure of records; permitting disclosure of certain records to parent or legal guardian; effective date. Appropriations and Budget Committee 3/1/22  27 Aye 8 Nay 2 – HOUSE FLOOR 3/14/22 – Aye 81 Nay 13 Excused 6

SENATE Ed Committee – Aye 7 Nay 2 SENATE FLOOR –

DO NOT SUPPORT—–HB4073 – Wallace and Hall – Schools; per-pupil expenditure; concurrent enrollment; effective date. FUNDS CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT THROUGH PER-PUPIL APPROPRIATION. THERE IS NO REASON FOR THIS BILL – WE ARE ALREADY TAXED TO PROVIDE FREE CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT FOR JUNIORS AND SENIORS. WHY SHOULD MONIES BE APPROPRIATED VIA THE FUNDING FORMULA? – Appropriations and Budget Committee 3/1/22  25 Aye Nay 0 – HOUSE FLOOR 3/14/22 Aye 89 Nay 0 Excused 11

HB4106 – Vancuren and Pemberton – Schools; requiring school districts to maintain protocol for responding to students in mental health crisis Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee – Aye 6 Nay 0 Appropriations and Budget Committee – Aye 30 Nay 0 HOUSE FLOOR 3/9/22 – Aye 88 Nay 1 Excused 11

Senate Education Committee – Aye 11 Nay 0 SENATE FLOOR –

SUPPORT—–HB4107 – Vancuren and Rogers – Teachers; directing State Board of Education to issue teaching certificate for teacher certified by a federally recognized tribal nation; effective date. ALLOWS TEACHERS TRIBALLY CERTIFIED TO GAIN STATE CERTIFICATION AND TEACHERS FROM OTHER STATES WHO HAVE COMPLETED A GENERAL COMPETENCY EXAM. Aye 9 Nay 0 – HOUSE FLOOR 3/8/22 Aye 89 Nay 7

Senate Education Committee – Aye 9 Nay 0 SENATE FLOOR –

SUPPORT—–HB4370 – Ford and Bergstrom – Schools; meetings of school boards of education; requiring certain meetings to be accessible through a live video and audio stream; effective date. “C. The board of education of a school district with an average daily attendance of more than five thousand (5,000) students shall provide a live video and audio stream of all public meetings of the board of education. Information notifying members of the public how to access the meeting livestream shall be clearly published on the website and social media accounts of the school district.” PARENTS MUST ATTEND THEIR MONTHLY SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS BUT IF UNABLE TO ATTEND SHOULD BE ABLE TO WATCH LIVE. 12 Aye, 1 Nay – HOUSE FLOOR 3/14/22 Aye 83 No 4 Excused 13

Senate Education Committee – Aye 11 Nay 1 SENATE FLOOR –

DO NOT SUPPORT—–HB4387 – House, Hilbert – Senate, Pugh; – Teacher certification; providing for issuance of advanced teaching certificates; modifying procedures for issuing lead and master teaching certificates; effective date; emergency; conditional effect. THIS BILL PROVIDES A STRUCTURE FOR TEACHER PAY INCREASES AS DESIRED BY GOVERNOR STITT. THERE IS A BILL IN THE SENATE BY BULLARD (SB1139) TO STUDY TEACHER RAISES. TO PREVENT UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES AND TO PROVIDE TEACHERS A RAISE STRUCTURE THAT REWARDS COMPETENCE AND IS FINANCIALLY EFFICIENT FOR THE STATE, THIS BILL SHOULD WAIT UNTIL AFTER THE STUDY PROPOSED BY BULLARD. Aye 11 Nay 0 – HOUSE FLOOR 3/21/22 Aye 91 Nay 5 Excused 4

Senate Education Committee – Aye 8 Nay 3 SENATE FLOOR –

SUPPORT—–HB4388 – Hilbert, Pugh Amusements and sports; Oklahoma Education Lottery Act; proceeds; Teacher Empowerment Fund; State Department of Education; characteristics; procedures; instructions; effective date; conditional effect. CREATES A REVOLVING ACCOUNT IN THE TREASURY USING THE PROCEEDS OF LOTTERY FUNDS TO MAKE STATE MATCHES FOR TEACHER PAY RAISES. IT WOULD BE BETTER TO WAIT UNTIL BULLARD’S PAY RAISE STUDY IS COMPLETED, BUT THIS HAS NO FISCAL IMPACT OTHER THAN MOVING 60 MILLION DOLLARS (AFTER THE FIRST 60M HAVE BEEN DISPERSED ACCORDING TO STATE LAW) FROM THE LOTTERY FUND TO TEACHER PAY RAISES. Appropriations and Budget 2/21/22 Aye 12 Nay 2 – Appropriations and Budget 3/2/22 Aye 26 Nay 6 – HOUSE FLOOR Amendment 3/22/22 Aye 67 Nay 17 Excused 16 – HOUSE FLOOR 3/22/22 Aye 67 Nay 22 Excused 11

Senate Education Committee – Aye 9 Nay 3 Senate Appropriations Committee – Aye 16 Nay 5 SENATE FLOOR –

SUPPORT—–HB4389 – Baker – School curriculum; subject matter standards; modifying computer science college preparatory curriculum requirements; effective date; emergency. CLEANS UP GRADUATION REQUIREMENT VERBIAGE. Aye 9  Nay 0 – HOUSE FLOOR 3/8/22 Aye 86 Nay 1 Excused 13

Senate Education Committee – Aye 9 Nay 0 SENATE FLOOR –

NO OPINION—–HB4393 – Baker – Schools; modifying frequency of conducting an educator supply-and-demand study; listing shortage areas to be identified in study; effective date. CAUSES THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION, THE COMMISION FOR EDUCATIONAL QUALITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY AND THE OKLAHOMA STATE REGENTS TO UNDERTAKE A TEACHER SHORTAGE EVALUATION EVERY YEAR. Aye 9  Nay 0 – HOUSE FLOOR 3/7/22 Aye 94 Nay 0 Excused 6

Senate Education Committee – Aye 12 Nay 0 SENATE FLOOR –

DO NOT SUPPORT—–HB4409 – House Lowe – Schools; subject matter standards; modifying graduation requirement to complete a personal financial literacy course; effective date; emergency. THERE IS ALREADY A PERSONAL FINANCIAL LITERACY COURSE REQUIRED TO GRADUATE. TO MAKE IT CONFORM TO THE PASSPORT TO FINANCIAL LITERACY ACT IS SIMPLY NOT NECESSARY. THE LAW IS THERE, THE GRADUATION REQUIREMENT IS THERE, THERE IS NO NEED FOR FURTHER LEGISLATION. Aye 11 Nay 0 – HOUSE FLOOR 3/22/22 Aye 89 Nay 1 Excused 10

0

Senate Education Bills Beginning 3/1/22

Entries in Yellow FAILED in Senate Ed Committee

Entries in Grey FAILED or NOT HEARD on the floor of the Senate

Entries in Blue FAILED or NOT HEARD in House Common Ed Committee

Entries in Orange FAILED or NOT HEARD on the Floor of the House

Entries in Green DIED IN CONFERENCE PROCESS

VETOED BY GOVERNOR

SB386 By Quinn of the Senate – Education grants; creating the Digital Wallet Program Act; providing for distribution of grant funds. Effective date. Emergency. 

Withdrawn by author

SB615 By Bullard et al of the Senate (Proposed Comm. Sub., req. #3536) – Schools; requiring curriculum and materials used in certain meeting with counselor to be available for inspection. Effective date. Emergency. Passed Aye 9 Nay 2 SENATE FLOOR 3/9/22 Aye 39 Nay 7 Bill was amended by the House (4/27/22) to include language preventing boys from using girls bathrooms in public schools. Amended bill SENATE FLOOR 5/19/22 Aye 38 Nay 7 HOUSE FLOOR 5/29/22 Aye 69 Nay 14 Sent to Governor 5/20/22 SIGNED BY GOVERNOR 5/25/22

SB626 By Bullard of the Senate and Randleman of the House (Proposed Comm. Sub., req. #3479) – Students; directing disclosure of whether a student has received certain mental health services. Effective date. Emergency.

PASSED 10-2 SENATE FLOOR 3/9/22 Aye 38 Nay 7 HOUSE Education Committee Aye 11 Nay 1 HOUSE FLOOR – 4/28/22 Aye 73 Nay 4 Excused 23 SENATE FLOOR – Aye 42 Nay 5 Excused 1 Sent to Governor 5/10/22 SIGNED BY GOVERNOR – 5/11/22

SB1112 By Dills and Pemberton – Student transfers; allowing the child of a support employee to transfer to employing district. PASSED Aye 13 Nay 0 SENATE FLOOR – 2/14/22 Aye 45 Nay 0 Excused 3 HOUSE Common Ed Committee 4/5/22 Aye 12 Nay 0 HOUSE FLOOR – NEVER HEARD

SB1108 Bergstrom of the Senate; Hasenback of the House  – School finances; adding items to be reviewed by School Finance Review Commission. Effective date. Emergency. Passed Aye 9 Nay 3 SENATE FLOOR – 2/21/22 Aye 39 Nay 9 HOUSE Common Education Committee – NEVER HEARD

SB1119 By Garvin of the Senate and Hilbert of the House – Teachers; removing clock-hour limitation for adjunct teachers. Effective date. Emergency. PASSED 9-3 SENATE FLOOR 3/23/22 Aye 35 Nay 9 Excused 4 HOUSE Common Ed Committee Aye 9 Nay 4 HOUSE FLOOR – Aye 68 Nay 25 Excused 7 Sent to Governor 4/27/22 SIGNED BY GOVERNOR 4/29/22

SB1126 By Garvin of the Senate and McEntire of the House – School funding; removing limits on school district general fund carryover; requiring online posting of carryover amounts. Effective date. Emergency. Passed – Aye 12 w title off SENATE FLOOR Aye 32 Nay 15

SB1138 Pemberton of the State and Pae et.al of the House – Schools; modifying provisions of the School Safety and Bullying Prevention Act. Effective date. Emergency. Passed Aye 10 Nay 0 SENATE FLOOR – 2/22/22 Aye 45 Nay 0 HOUSE Education Committee Aye 13 Nay 0 HOUSE FLOOR -Aye 39 Nay 49 Excused 13 FAILED ON HOUSE FLOOR

SB1139 By Bullard of the Senate and Baker of the House – Teacher pay; creating a task force to study and make recommendations on certain pay for teachers. Effective date. Emergency.  Passed – Aye 11 Nay 2 SENATE FLOOR – Aye 36 Nay 9 HOUSE Education Committee Aye 12 Nay 0 HOUSE FLOOR – NEVER HEARD

 SB 1142 Standridge – Amendment presented to change “controversial” to “predominately sexual” Amendment failed 4-8; Will pursue on the floor. NEVER HEARD ON THE SENATE FLOOR

SB1145 Taylor  – Schools; modifying requirements of the Passport to Financial Literacy Act; requiring separate course to graduate. Effective date. Emergency. PASSED 9-3 Amendment added, title off NEVER HEARD ON THE SENATE FLOOR

SB1147 By Taylor and Miller – Schools; allowing the State Board of Education to determine if certain course is eligible for certain credit. Passed – Aye 13 Nay 0 SENATE FLOOR – Aye 42 Nay 0 Excused 6 HOUSE Education Committee Aye 13 Nay 0 HOUSE FLOOR – Aye 82 Nay 1 Excused 17 Sent to Governor 4/27/22 SIGNED BY GOVERNOR 4/29/22

SB1162 By Merrick of the Senate (Proposed Comm. Sub., req. #3649) – Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program; expanding program to certain students. Effective date. Emergency. 

LAID OVER

SB1184 By Taylor of the Senate – Schools; creating the Students’ Right to Know Act to provide certain information to high school students. Effective date. Emergency.  Passed – Aye 13 Nay 0 SENATE FLOOR – Aye 43 Nay 1 Excused 13

SB1207 – Montgomery and Baker – Student assessments; directing the State Board of Education to promulgate rules for limited exceptions to testing window. Effective date. Emergency. PASSED 2/8/22 Aye 13 Nay 0 SENATE FLOOR 2/23/22 Aye 40 Nay 4 Excused 4

SB1213 J.J.Dossett of the Senate and Miller of the House – Career and technology education; creating the Oklahoma National Guard CareerTech Assistance Act. Effective date. Emergency. PASSED Aye 11 No 0 COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS 3/2/22 Passed Aye 18 Nay 0

SB1238 By Dugger of the Senate and Ranson of the House – Schools; allowing transfer students to enroll in certain full-time virtual education program. Effective date. Emergency. request transfers in even when there is no brick and mortar room PASSED 11-0 SENATE FLOOR Aye 34 Nay 6 HOUSE Education Committee Aye 12 Nay 0 HOUSE FLOOR – Aye 87 Nay 0 Excused 13 Sent to Governor 4/28/22 SIGNED BY GOVERNOR 5/2/22

SB1278 By Garvin of the Senate and Hill of the House – Oklahoma Center of the Advancement of Science and Technology; repealing advisory committee. Emergency. PASSED 12-0 SENATE FLOOR 3/8/22 Aye 45 Nay 0

SB1280 By Daniels of the Senate and Gann of the House – Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness Board; removing language requiring appointments from certain lists. Effective date. Emergency.   PASSED 8-5 SENATE FLOOR – Aye 28 Nay 18

SB1285 By Stanley of the Senate and Baker of the House Education – repealing language regarding the Oklahoma School for the Visual and Performing Arts. Effective date. …Creation of the Oklahoma School for the Visual and Performing Arts Revolving Fund, and authority to adopt rules PASSED 11-0 SENATE FLOOR 3/8/22 Yay 44 Nay 0 PASSED 9-0 Higher Ed and Career Tech Committee HOUSE FLOOR – NEVER HEARD

SB1307 By Coleman of the Senate (Proposed Comm. Sub., req. #3497) – Students; requiring certain schools to include certain information on student identification cards. Effective date. “…stating legislative intent that certain institutions of higher education include certain information on student identification cards; allowing issuance of certain non-compliant identification cards until a supply is depleted; providing for application; providing for codification; and providing an effective date.” PASSED 10-0 SENATE FLOOR 3/15/22 Yay 39 Nay 4 Excused 5 HOUSE Common Ed Committee Aye 12 Nay 0 HOUSE FLOOR – Aye 68 Nay 13 Excused 19 Sent to Governor 4/20/22 SIGNED BY GOVERNOR 4/21/22

SB1379 By Garvin of the Senate and McEntire of the House – School employment; allowing a school district board of education to contract for student mental health counseling with certain individual. Emergency. “allowing a school district board of education to enter into a written contract for student mental health counseling with a non-certified person if certain conditions are met; providing for inapplicability of certain definition…” Contract with a mental health professional rather than hiring school counselor PASSED 8-2 NEVER HEARD ON THE SENATE FLOOR

SB1402 By Dahm of the Senate (Proposed Comm. Sub., req. #3481) – Charter schools; creating the Professional Teacher Charter Act; providing purpose. Effective date. Emergency. Passed Aye 8 Nay 5 NEVER HEARD ON THE SENATE FLOOR

SB1403 By Daniels of the Senate – Schools; directing school district boards of education to adopt a policy regarding part-time student enrollment. Effective date. Emergency. 

Scheduled, but not heard in Committee

SB1405 By Floyd of the Senate and McEntire of the House – Schools; naming act related to suicide awareness and training Evan’s Law. Effective date. Emergency. PASSED 12-0 NEVER HEARD ON THE SENATE FLOOR

SB1408 By Rosino of the Senate and Lawson of the House – Children; adding responsibilities of Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness Board. Effective date.  Passed 11-1 SENATE FLOOR – Aye 39 Nay 9 HOUSE Education Committee – Aye 12 Nay 1 HOUSE FLOOR – Aye 81 Nay 4 Excused 15 Sent to the Governor 4/27/22 SIGNED BY THE GOVERNOR 4/29/22

SB1412 By Dahm of the Senate (Proposed Comm. Sub., req. #3482) – Student transfers; repealing a section of law relating to eligibility to participate in certain competitions. Effective date. Emergency.  Passed Aye 8 Nay 5 NEVER HEARD ON THE SENATE FLOOR

SB1429 (SB1429) – by Sterling and Haste – Alternative Teacher certification; providing option of passing certain competency examinations; providing exemption for certain degrees. Passed Aye 13 Nay 0 Appropriations Committee Passed Aye 16 Nay 4 SENATE FLOOR – Aye 39 Nay 3 Excused 6 HOUSE Common Ed Committee – Aye 13 Nay 0 HOUSE FLOOR – Aye 81 Nay 0 Excused 19 Sent to Governor 5/2/22 VETOED BY GOVERNOR 5/6/22

SB1447 Jett of the Senate – School district boards of education; removing language requiring members to complete certain instruction. Effective date. PASSED 10-2 Title Stricken Amended SENATE FLOOR 3/23/22 Aye 17 Nay 28 Excused 3 Nays – Boren, Brooks, Burns, Coleman, Dossett (JA), Dossett (JJ), Dugger, Floyd, Garvin, Hall, Haste, Hicks, Howard, Jech, Kidd, Kirt, Leewright, Matthews, Montgomery, Murdock, Pederson, Pemberton, Rosino, Stanley, Stephens, Thompson, Weaver, Young       Excused – Dahm, David and Treat    

SB1512 By Pugh of the Senate – Higher education; stating legislative intent for institutions regarding scores required on certain examination to grant credit. Effective date. Emergency. Standardize CLEP PASSED 11-0 SENATE FLOOR 3/14/22 Aye 43 Nay 3 PASSED 9-0 Higher Ed and Career Tech Committee HOUSE FLOOR – NEVER HEARD

SB1535 Pugh of the Senate – Teachers; repealing language relating to the Oklahoma Teacher and Leader Effectiveness Evaluation System. Effective date. Emergency. PASSED 12–0 SENATE FLOOR 3/21/22 Aye 39 Nay 2 HOUSE Education Committee – Aye 12 Nay 0 HOUSE FLOOR – Aye 73 Nay 3 Excused 18 DIED IN CONFERENCE

SB1544 By Pederson of the Senate and Conley of the House (Proposed Comm. Sub., req. #3563) – Schools; prohibiting certain schools from knowingly entering into a transaction with certain individual or entity. Effective date. Emergency.  Inappropriate Planned Parenthood sex ed prohibited Passed 10-2 SENATE FLOOR 3/7/22 AYE 38 NAY 8 HOUSE Education Committee – Aye 10 Nay 3 HOUSE FLOOR – NEVER HEARD

SB1579 By Paxton of the Senate – School employees; allowing a district board of education to approve certain leave of absence for certain purpose. Effective date. Emergency. If teachers are on leave to lobby, they don’t receive benefits from State. PASSED 9-3 SENATE FLOOR 3/7/22 Aye 35 Nay 9 HOUSE Education Committee – Aye 7 Nay 6 HOUSE FLOOR – Aye 53 Nay 37 Excused 10 Sent to the Governor – 4/27/22 SIGNED BY THE GOVERNOR – 4/29/22

SB1583 By Treat of the Senate – Schools; allowing a transfer allowance to be granted to a student enrolled in certain school to attend a private school. Effective date. Emergency. PASSED Aye 9 Nay 6 – Referred to Appropriations LAID OVER

SB 1592 By Treat of the Senate – Liability insurance; creating Educators’ Professional Liability Insurance Program; requiring liability coverage for school employees. Emergency.  PASSED Aye 11 Nay 3 Referred to Appropriations COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS 3/2/22 Aye 15 No 4 SENATE FLOOR 3/24/22 Aye 34 Nay 11 Excused 3

SB1618 By Baker of the House Pugh of the Senate – State Department of Education; directing the Department to develop a website for district employment vacancies. PASSED Aye 11 Nay 2 SENATE FLOOR 3/15/22 Aye 29 Nay 14 Excused 5 HOUSE Education Committee Aye 11 Nay 1 HOUSE FLOOR – NEVER HEARD

SB1620 Pugh of the Senate – School transportation; removing language restricting transportation within certain boundaries. Effective date. Emergency. PASSED Aye 12 Nay 0 SENATE FLOOR 3/9/22 Aye 36 No 9 Excused 3 HOUSE Education Committee Aye 13 Nay 0 HOUSE FLOOR – NEVER HEARD

SB1621 By Pugh of the Senate – Charter schools; creating the Statewide Charter School Board; providing for succession to certain contracts. Effective dates. Emergency.  Passed Aye 5 Nay 3 COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS Aye 14 Nay4 SENATE FLOOR 3/23/22 Aye 38 Nay 8 Excused 2 HOUSE Education Committee – Aye 10 Nay 3 HOUSE FLOOR – Aye 56 Nay 29 Excused 15 Conference Granted 5/11/22 CONFERENCE RESCINDED 5/12/22

SB1623 By Pugh of the Senate – Schools; creating the Learn Everywhere Act to allow students extended learning opportunities. Effective date. Emergency. Allows students to count apprenticeships, internships and mentorships outside of the classroom for credit PASSED 11-0 SENATE FLOOR 3/8/22 Aye 36 Nay 8 Excused 4 HOUSE Education Committee – Aye 10 Nay 3 HOUSE FLOOR – NEVER HEARD

SB1624 By Pugh of the Senate – School meals; granting the Board of Agriculture the authority to administer the National School Lunch Act. Effective date. Emergency.  Passed 7-1 (Mirror bill passed House Ed Committee 3/1/22) COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS Aye 14 Nay 4 SENATE FLOOR 3/15/22 Aye 30 Nay 14 Excused 4 HOUSE Education Committee Aye 6 Nay 7 FAILED

SB1627 Pugh of the Senate – Higher education; creating the Workforce Development Revolving Fund; providing for award of funds. Effective date. Emergency. PASSED Aye 10 Nay 1 COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS 3/3/22 Aye 17 Nay 1 SENATE FLOOR 3/23/22 Aye 35 Nay 10 Excused 3 PASSED House Higher Education and Career Tech Committee Aye 9 Nay 0 HOUSE FLOOR – NEVER HEARD

SB1631 – Pugh and Vancuren – Teachers; directing the Commission for Educational Quality and Accountability to establish a mentor teacher pilot program. Effective date. Emergency. PASSED Aye 9 Nay 2 2/8/22 Amended PASSED Aye 12 Nay 0 2/16/22 SENATE FLOOR 2/23/22 Aye 34 Nay 6 Excused 8 HOUSE Education Committee – Aye 12 Nay 0 HOUSE FLOOR – Aye 77 Nay 4 Excused 19 Sent to Governor 4/27/22 SIGNED BY GOVERNOR 4/29/22

SB1647 By Treat of the Senate – Students; creating the Oklahoma Empowerment Act; providing eligibility for Oklahoma Empowerment Accounts. Effective date. Emergency. Passed Aye 8 Nay 7 with Treat and Floor Leader voting COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS 3/2/22 Aye 12 No 8 – with Treat and Floor Leader voting SENATE FLOOR 3/23/22 Aye 22 Nay 24 Excused 2 FAILED ON SENATE FLOOR

SB1671 By Pugh of the Senate (Proposed Comm. Sub., req. #3642) – School curriculum; directing development of curricula and materials related to Holocaust education. Effective date. Emergency.  Passed Aye 8 Nay 0 SENATE FLOOR – Aye 42 Nay 0 Excused 6 HOUSE Education Committee Aye 13 Nay 0 HOUSE FLOOR – Aye 84 Nay 7 Excused 9 Sent to Governor – 5/12/22 SIGNED BY GOVERNOR 5/16/22

SB1673 – Pugh and Nollan – Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program; providing income qualification based on certain number of dependent children. Effective date. Emergency. PASSED Ed Committee 2/22/22 Aye 7 Nay 1 PASSED Appropriations and Budget 3/2/22 Aye 19 Nay 0 SENATE FLOOR 3/22/22 Aye 44 Nay 2 Excused 2 PASSED House Appropriations and Budget 4/4/22 Aye 12 Nay 0 HOUSE FLOOR (4th reading) – Aye 68 Nay 3 Excused 29 Sent to Governor 5/20/22 SIGNED BY GOVERNOR 5/26/22

0

Legislation Watch 2022

SB 1108 Bergstrom: Adding items to be reviewed by School Finance Review Commission http:// webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2021-22%20ENGR/SB/ SB1108%20ENGR.PDF

SB 1125 Bullard: Directs school districts to post on their websites certain professional development information http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2021-22%20INT/ SB/SB1125%20INT.PDF

SB 1126 Garvin: Removes limits on school district general fund carryover; requires online posting of carryover amounts http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/ 2021-22%20INT/SB/SB1126%20INT.PDF

SB 1149 Bergstrom: Directing school districts and charter schools to post certain learning materials online http:// webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2021-22%20INT/SB/ SB1149%20INT.PDF

SB 1404 Daniels: Requires boards of education to direct a certain election to certify school employee organizations

http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2021-22%20INT/ SB/SB1404%20INT.PDF

SB 1471 Paxton: Educational Income tax credit—Provides a credit for qualifying educational expenses http:// webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2021-22%20INT/SB/ SB1471%20INT.PDF

SB 1592 Treat: Liability insurance—Creates the Educators’ Professional Liability Insurance Program requiring liability coverage for school employees http:// webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2021-22%20INT/SB/ SB1592%20INT.PDF

SB 1647 Treat: School Voucher/ESA’s—Creating the Oklahoma Empowerment Act http:// webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/ 2021-22%20COMMITTEE%20SUBS/SCS/ SB1647%20CS.PDF

SB 1652 Jett: Higher education—Directs certain institutions to post certain budget information on their websites http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/ 2021-22%20INT/SB/SB1652%20INT.PDF

SCR 15 Dahm: Higher education—Requires the State Regents for Higher Education to submit a certain report by a certain date http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/ 2021-22%20INT/SRES/SCR15%20INT.PDF

SB 634 Daniels: Payroll deductions for public school district employees http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/ 2021-22%20COMMITTEE%20SUBS/HCSS/ SB634%20HCS.PDF

SB 962 Treat: School board elections http:// webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2021-22%20ENGR/SB/ SB962%20ENGR.PDF

SB 1142 Standridge: Obscene books in public schools http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2021-22%20INT/ SB/SB1142%20INT.PDF

SB 1141 Standridge: DEI curriculum in higher education http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2021-22%20INT/ SB/SB1141%20INT.PDF

SB 1174 Burns: “Action civics” in public schools http:// webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2021-22%20INT/SB/ SB1174%20INT.PDF

SB 1420 Dahm: School Voucher/Scholarships http:// webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2021-22%20INT/SB/ SB1420%20INT.PDF

SB 1402 Dahm: Professional teacher charter http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2021-22%20COMMITTEE%20SUBS/SCS/SB1402%20CS.PDF

SB 1274 Dahm: OHLAP changes http:// webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2021-22%20INT/SB/ SB1274%20INT.PDF

SB 1119 Garvin: Adjunct teachers http:// webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2021-22%20INT/SB/ SB1119%20INT.PDF

SB 1144 Garvin: Substitute teachers http:// webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2021-22%20INT/SB/ SB1144%20INT.PDF

SB 1162 Merrick: School Scholarship—Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarship http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/ cf_pdf/2021-22%20INT/SB/SB1162%20INT.PDF

SB 1627 Pugh: Teacher quality http:// webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2021-22%20INT/SB/ SB1627%20INT.PDF

SB 1621 Pugh: Statewide charter school authorizer http:// webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2021-22%20INT/SB/ SB1621%20INT.PDF

SB 1403 Daniels: Part-time enrollment http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2021-22%20INT/SB/SB1403%20INT.PDF

SB 1582 Treat: School board recall http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2021-22%20INT/SB/SB1582%20INT.PDF

SB 1270 Standridge: Education Scholarship http:// webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2021-22%20INT/SB/ SB1270%20INT.PDF

Click to access SB1135%20INT.PDF

SB 1620 Pugh: Public school transportation http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2021-22%20FLR/SFLR/SB1620%20SFLR.PDF

SB 1622 Pugh: Leasing school district property to charter schools http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2021-22%20INT/SB/SB1622%20INT.PDF

SB 1675 Pugh: Higher education realignment http:// webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2021-22%20INT/SB/ SB1675%20INT.PDF

HB 2967 Provenzano: Education—Mask mandates http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2021-22%20INT/hB/HB2967%20INT.PDF

HB 2973 Olsen: Mental health—Parental and Family Rights in Counseling Protection Act http:// webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2021-22%20FLR/HFLR/ HB2973%20HFLR.PDF

HB 2980 Stearman: School districts—Prohibiting use of state appropriations to pay fees or membership dues http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2021-22%20INT/hB/HB2980%20INT.PDF

HB 2985 Rosecrants: Education—Makes state tests voluntary http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/ 2021-22%20INT/hB/HB2985%20INT.PDF

HB 2988 Olsen: Education—Bars use of 1619 curriculum http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2021-22%20INT/ hB/HB2988%20INT.PDF

HB 3052 Hasenbeck: School freedom—Modifies program eligibility for Lindsey Nicole Henry scholarship http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2021-22%20INT/hB/HB3052%20INT.PDF

HB 3063 Ranson: Extends the Open Meeting Act to student organizations at a public university or community college http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2021-22%20INT/hB/HB3063%20INT.PDF

HB 3351 McCall: Taxation—Tax credit for donation directly to teachers http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2021-22%20FLR/HFLR/HB3351%20HFLR.PDF

HB 3676 Wolfley: Superintendents—Limiting superintendent salaries http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/ cf_pdf/2021-22%20INT/hB/HB3676%20INT.PDF

HB 3431 Osburn: School Scholarship—Lindsey Nicole Henry scholarship; removing requirement that student spend the prior year enrolled in a public school http:// webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2021-22%20INT/hB/ HB3431%20INT.PDF

HB 3482 Martinez: Digital Wallet for Education—Creating the Digital Wallet Program Act http:// webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2021-22%20INT/hB/ HB3482%20INT.PDF

HB 3542 Caldwell: Higher education—Student and Administration Equality Act; disciplinary proceedings http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2021-22%20INT/hB/HB3542%20INT.PDF

HB 3543 Caldwell: Higher education—First Amendment Training for Higher Education Administrators Act http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2021-22%20INT/hB/HB3543%20INT.PDF

HB 3756 Johns: Education scholarships—Lowering household income for eligible student http:// webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2021-22%20INT/hB/ HB3756%20INT.PDF

HB 4318 Stearman: Parents Bill of Rights—Right to attend meetings pertaining to education of a minor child http:// webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2021-22%20INT/hB/ HB4318%20INT.PDF

HB 4328 Stearman: Schools—Requiring all public school library media program material to be available for public inspection http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/ 2021-22%20INT/hB/HB4328%20INT.PDF

HB 3084 Hilbert: Public school transportation http:// webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2021-22%20INT/hB/ HB3084%20INT.PDF

HB 3086 Hilbert: Public school transportation http:// webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2021-22%20INT/hB/ HB3086%20INT.PDF

HB 4387 Baker: Teacher quality http:// webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2021-22%20INT/hB/ HB4387%20INT.PDF

HB 4388 Baker: Teacher quality http:// webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2021-22%20INT/hB/ HB4388%20INT.PDF

HB 4389 Baker: Computer science in public schools http:// webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2021-22%20INT/hB/ HB4389%20INT.PDF

HB 4208 Echols: Virtual charter students http:// webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2021-22%20INT/hB/ HB4208%20INT.PDF

HB 3643 Dills: Charter school authorizers http:// webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/ 2021-22%20COMMITTEE%20SUBS/HCS/ HB3643%20CS.PDF

HB 3099 Hilbert: Oklahoma’s Brightest Students Act http:// webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2021-22%20INT/hB/ HB3099%20INT.PDF

HB 4196 Echols: Higher education http:// webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2021-22%20FLR/HFLR/ HB4196%20HFLR.PDF

0

Oklahoma Government Schools Give 6- 12 Grade Students Surveys To ‘RAT OUT’ Friends, Neighbors and Parents For Grant Funds – HELP US PASS SB1448 TO HELP STOP THIS NONSENSE

These are just a few representative questions from the Oklahoma Prevention Needs Survey for 6th grade which can be found here. Questions for the 8, 10 and 12th grade survey is found here. These questions are being asked of students as young as SIXTH GRADE.

But not only are 6th grade students asked to ‘RAT OUT’ their friends, this survey asks similar questions about PARENTS and NEIGHBORS!

This was forwarded through a parent in Edmond Public Schools. The school sent a letter out via email  to parents to inform them of the survey and their right to opt out. 

THERE WAS NO LINK IN THE LETTER TO THE DIRECT SURVEY, just descriptions of a few of the more minor questions and a notice that parents could DROP EVERYTHING AND COME TO THE SCHOOL TO VIEW THE SURVEY.

Of course I believe that every parent should do just that, but why not make it easy to access the survey questions online? Everything else – including learning – has been shuttled online, why not a link to these INVASIVE surveys?

WHAT ARE THE PARTICULAR PROBLEMS WITH THIS SURVEY?

    1. The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment protects students from being given surveys paid for with Federal funds that ask the following type questions:

Please note how many of the questions in the screenshot above VIOLATE THE PPRA!

Ahhh, but herein lies the kicker – it doesn’t protect children from invasive surveys given at the state level – including this one!

This is why ROPE worked with author, Senator Shane Jett, to create a bill (SB1448) that would force school Administrators to sign an affidavit that a survey does NOT violate the PPRA. Please ask your legislator to Co-Author this bill with Shane Jett, to protect our children from these invasive surveys.

    2. If a parent got interested at all from the letter sent by the school they could internet search “Oklahoma Prevention Needs Survey” and they would find this – on the Oklahoma State Department of Education website:

Please note – you are to contact an “EPIDEMIOLOGIST” for information. According to Wikipedia: Epidemiology is the study and analysis of the distribution, patterns and determinants of health and disease conditions in defined populations. It is a cornerstone of public health, and shapes policy decisions and evidence-based practice by identifying risk factors for disease and targets for preventive healthcare.

Why in the world would we be using class time to assess student populations for reasons of ‘SHAPING POLICY DECISIONS”? Schools appear to be having a terrible time making sure a majority of their students can read at grade level.

Because results of the surveys will be used to “collect school-level data needed for grant program eligibility”! Our kids are being given invasive surveys asking them to tattle on friends and family members FOR MONEY.

    3. Edmond public schools assures parents that these are ANONYMOUS surveys and that no personal data will be attached to the surveys. This is a bald-faced lie. No school can guarantee that student data will be kept anonymous – especially if surveys are to be given by a THIRD PARTY. The Oklahoma Prevention Needs Survey is being given through the OSDE by Oklahoma State University researchers. How many people will handle that data? How can the school prevent a name or id from being attached to the survey?

ROPE has written a great deal about the dangers of student data collection that came with the Common Core. All one needs to do is use the search engine to search the word “data” on our blogspot and find numerous well-researched articles that explain the nature of data collection and why data can never really be anonymous. Or, if you don’t trust us – internet search the terms “student privacy”. That should provide plenty of information indicating the LACK of privacy for students when data is collected through government schools.

FYI: If a parent found the page on the OSDE website and tried to “click for more information” they would find that the page goes NOWHERE.

Using the Way Back Machine found a page that went directly to the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) website. This page gives more information about the surveys and says,

The survey also includes risk and protective factors, which are attitudes, behaviors, and opinions that research has shown to be highly correlated with these health risk behaviors.

Exactly the things that schools should not be giving to children according to the PPRA.

These are not the only surveys being given to students in our public schools. This blog talks a bit about the Youth Risk Behavior surveys which ask – not only questions about drug use – but ask very personal questions about sexual behavior – another taboo topic according to the PPRA.

HERE’S THE BOTTOM LINE: PARENTS! DO NOT ALLOW YOUR CHILDREN TO TAKE ANY SURVEYS OR FILL OUT ANY QUESTIONNAIRES AT SCHOOL – and help us pass SB1448 this 2022 session!

0

Government Take-Over in Invented Emergencies (SB1647 – The Oklahoma Empowerment Account Program)

Guest Post by Emily Hladik (Bio below)

SB 1647 creates the Oklahoma Empowerment Account Program under an emergency declaration. As an Oklahoma homeschool mom, I oppose this legislation.

While I believe the state of Oklahoma’s public education is in a state of emergency, this legislation attempts to expand publicly funded education without addressing the actual issues with existing public education. Private schools and homeschooling families that participate in this government expansion will do so at the price of their own autonomy and constitutional freedom. This bill is being promoted as a silver-bullet solution, touted as not growing government and heralded as a champion of protecting private schools and homeschooling in Oklahoma—absurdities.

Supporters of this legislation claim the Oklahoma Empowerment Act (OEA) is the solution to the ills of public education. 

It names an “Agency” to be created within the OK Department of Treasury and allows for private contracting of services (see Page 3 and Page 10). The “Agency”, remember that’s the Department of Treasury, will be in charge of creating and approving applicants and setting standards for educational vendors and determining qualified expenses for parents. 

Not the OK State Department of Education, not the parents (their choice is limited to the approved vendors list), but the Treasury Department (or the contractor they hire). 

You don’t ‘cure’ public education simply by re-assigning it to a new bureaucracy.

In fact, the only mention of the Department of Education comes on Page 8; their part is to report the cost per student enrolled in the OEA program to the Treasury Department. If the Department of Education can’t provide quality education via public schools, charter schools, and virtual schools, why would the Department of Treasury do any better at picking curriculum, programs, and schools to be participants in the OEA scheme?

The OEA is being labeled as an alternative to failed pubic education and promises on Page 15 that the program will not to expand the regulatory authority of the state beyond the means necessary to enforce requirements in the act. Geez, I wonder if it will be as limited and narrow as the US Congress’ use of the necessary and proper clause. From the text of SB 1647, there’s actually much expansion of the regulatory authority of the state already planned.

First, there’s a prohibition on “educational services providers” from sharing empowerment funds with parents (see Page 9). So parents can use funds to pay for a math tutor, but not themselves if they are teaching their children math? Each school and family that participates in the program will be subject to an audit. 

Next, the state will approve educational service providers (see Page 9-10), so will homeschool families that want to participate have to be approved? What are the standards and when will those be available for review? What is the process to challenge rulings? 

Finally, there will be random annual audits of 10% of OEA accounts, with cases of suspected fraud being referred to the Attorney General (see Page 11-12).

What protections are there for small private schools and parents from bureaucrats, armed with the power to audit and intimidate? What’s the oversight on the audits? And that’s just the “necessary to enforce” regulation authority that’s been disclosed, can you imagine how much more this program will grow government?

Supporters of this bill have made the outlandish claim that this government program actual protects private education and homeschooling. According to these “experts,” government intervention will increase the rights and freedoms of private businesses and individuals. It’s inconceivable, but if it wasn’t for this illogical headline I may have missed this conversation altogether. 

I’ve homeschooled in several states, most of which have illiberal requirements. 

For example, in Virginia homeschooling families must notify the state of their intent to homeschool. I had to verbally notify the school and filed a letter with the school district of my intent to homeschool my children. 

In South Carolina homeschooling families are required to join associations that certify academic progress is being made to the state. I don’t know the history of these states’ homeschool laws, but I do know only Oklahoma has the constitutional right to homeschool. It is a major reason we choose to live in Oklahoma. 

If 2020 has taught me anything, it’s to fight for what I believe in and never trust politicians who push radical agendas through invented emergencies.

Here’s the link to SB 1647 Oklahoma Empowerment Act . I encourage you to read it for yourself and tell your legislator to oppose this government power grab and FIX the publicly funded education system that already exists!

Bio, Emily Hladik:

I am a homeschool mom, creator of www.GreatAmericanStudies.com, and co-founder of Enid Freedom Fighters. I have a M.Ed., have been an adjunct instructor of history and political science, and married to my U.S. Marine (Ret.) husband for over 20 years.

1

Guest Post: Senator Garvin Misses The Mark With Teacher Shortage Bills

By Deborah Campbell

Senator Garvin says two bills (SB1144, SB1119) will address teacher shortages.

Truth is, it lowers standards and harms the protected group of students under I.D.E.A.; Section 504; and the ADA.
When you read SB 1144 substitute teachers:(a) there are no limitations on the number of days the substitute can teach with a caveat; and (b) Section 1(C) says the restrictions will not apply to the protect student population (IDEA, Section 504, ADA) therefore an unqualified substitute teacher can teach beyond the limited hours/days.

Unqualified is defined as not having the formal education and training in education IN ADDITION to the formal education required for a degree in special education. It includes no experience with implementing the goals, objectives and instructional needs of the child. Not to mention is there are medical related needs.
(c) No mention or requirement that substitute teachers have the formal education, training and experience with implementing the goals, objectives and instructional needs set forth in the child’s individualized educational plans (IEP) or 504 Plan..(d) No provision to require the local school boards and OK State School Board to create a data base of applicants of retired special education teachers or unemployed special education teachers. (e) Will the substitute be qualified to instruct and implement the goals, objectives and instructional needs identified in the child’s IEP or 504 Plan? How about physical impairments such as visually impaired, blind, hard of hearing or deaf?

Next, SB 1119 Alternative Teaching Certificates: (a) I have no problem with a successful person from a profession teaching a specific trade without a degree in education for high school and trade schools.
(b) Will parents of children in general education and parents of the protected student population (I.D.E.A.; Section 504; and ADA) have accessibility to verify that person’s credentials?
(c) Is Senator Garvin and the special interest groups promoting SB1119 willing to amend the bill by removing the protected group of students from the Alternative Teacher Certificates ?
(d) Will the Alternative Certified teachers be qualified to instruct and implement the goals, objectives and instructional needs identified in each child’s IEP or 504 Plan? How about physical impairments such as visually impaired, blind, hard of hearing or deaf?


Around 2015-2016, the OK State Department of Education was promoting the Alternative Teaching Certificate and summer boot camps. The boot camp’s goal was classroom preparation. This included special education. At that time, I spoke on the phone with Joy Hofmeister regarding the boot camp and certificate program. She said it was a solution to the teacher shortage.

To this day, I don’t think parents of special needs children were aware of this.

This bothered me for two reasons:

  1. It de-values our special education teachers who spent money and time going beyond obtaining a general education (K-12) degree.
  2. The children protected by I.D.E.A; Section 504; and the ADA are not receiving a free and appropriate education (FAPE).

Another important point: Each protected child with an IEP (not a 504 plan) is designate a specific amount of federal money to be used for that child, not the classroom. For example, that money to be used for that child’s specific needs such as related services and technology. That money follows the child.
Furthermore, this conditional money has bookkeeping requirements. Has an audit ever been done on this money to see:(a) was this money put into the general funds for all students?(b) Is there an itemized expense record for each school year for that child?

These issues have not been addressed. Why?

If these questions concern you, please reach out to Senator Garvin and ask question based on the above information.

Session opens FEBRUARY 7th. Senator Garvin may be reached at 405-521-5522 or jessica.garvin@oksenate.gov.

0

Blog at WordPress.com.

Up ↑