Welcome to the Oklahoma House of Representatives

OKLAHOMA CITY – House Speaker Pro Tempore Anthony Moore, R-Clinton, has filed a trio of bills to improve education outcomes for Oklahoma students and to provide greater access to higher learning. House Bill 4358 would require public schools, starting with the 2026-27 school year, to limit to one hour per school day electronic screen time for students in prekindergarten through fifth grade across all subject areas. "Study after study shows that limiting screen time for young children results in better brain function and focus, more creativity, better sleep and so much more – all of which lead to better learning outcomes for our kids," Moore said. "Oklahoma children deserve face-to-face time with their teachers and peers, not instruction through an electronic device.  House Bill 4359 would require state academic assessments in public elementary and secondary schools to be held during the month May each year beginning with next school year. "When academic assessments are held too early, students can miss up to a month of additional learning," Moore said. "If state tests are held in April, for example, students might spend the month of May watching movies or only half-heartedly reviewing lessons on which they know they won't be tested. Changing this schedule means our students have more time to prepare for end-of-year tests, and the test results themselves are more accurate and have greater meaning." HB4326 would expand access to the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program, known as Oklahoma's Promise scholarship, to students of public K-12 school counselors, librarians, school nurses or athletic trainers and those who teach at CareerTechs. This builds on legislation Moore passed last year, House Bill 1727 , that extended the scholarship to children of all educators who are considered in statute as full-time certified teachers who have taught for at least 10 years in Oklahoma public schools. That became effective July 1. "The goal is to ensure more students can go to college," Moore said. "Data is clear that college graduates earn more than high school graduates. That benefits the students and society as a whole. This also serves as an added benefit for those who work directly with students in our public schools." HB 4386 clarifies that a certified teacher includes any full-time classroom teacher who is standard or alternatively certified by the State Board of Education and who teaches a classroom subject as determined by the State Regents. The bill also adds that a certified teacher shall be considered the parent of a student if the teacher is the natural or adoptive parent or the permanent legal guardian of the student. Children of emergency or provisionally certified teachers would not automatically qualify for the scholarship, only if they otherwise meet financial need and other eligibility requirements. The measure also would extend the scholarship to qualifying students seeking admission to CareerTech and to students that were in the custody of the state or a federally recognized Indian tribe. It would raise from 17 to 18 the age of a student in public or private school who may apply for the scholarship beginning in the eighth grade through Dec. 31 of their senior year. Students educated by other means may apply from the age of 13 until they reach 18. These measures are eligible for consideration during the Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature, which convened Feb. 2.

OKLAHOMA CITY – House Tribal and External Affairs Leader Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, today issued the following statement after listening to Gov. Kevin Stitt's annual State of the State address. "With the leaders of many of our Native American tribes looking on from the House gallery, the governor made a mockery of our state’s unique history and the valued partnership our state has had with our tribal citizens for over 100 years. The governor says he has worked tirelessly to maintain unity of one Oklahoma, however he continues to ignore the reality of who we are as a state and single-handedly has destroyed decades of collaboration between state and tribal leaders. "When the governor, in his last State of the State speech, had the opportunity to correct the wrongs he has inflicted on our state’s tribes, he instead chose to exacerbate the divide and ignore the partnerships that have benefited Oklahomans for years in health care, public safety, education, infrastructure and many other areas of potential collaboration. "The Supreme Court ruling did not in any way make half of our state a reservation, and the governor knows it. The McGirt decision simply affirmed the U.S. Constitutional law of citizens who were unjustly removed from their homes and were given a promise of self-governance. "The end of Governor Stitt’s term gives us an opportunity to build on existing partnerships with our tribes. I hope our state’s next governor embraces and respects these sovereigns and their many contributions to our state."

Rep. Cody Maynard, R-Durant, has filed legislation that would exempt sales tax for businesses owned and operated primarily by individuals who are under the age of 18. House Bill 3548 would create the Oklahoma Youth Entrepreneurs Promotion and Development Act of 2026. If enacted, it would be offered beginning in tax year 2027. "Entrepreneurship is a cornerstone of our nation and the backbone of our state's economy," Maynard said. "This legislation encourages Oklahoma youth to start and maintain businesses that could benefit them in numerous ways, from saving for their own education to providing the first step for business ownership in their future." Maynard said the legislation complements Gov. Stitt's recently signed Executive Order 2026-04, which makes it easier for entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses in Oklahoma. Key actions of the governor's order include the exploration of tax waivers for startups and fairer access to state contracts for young businesses. Reports on fees, taxes, education and contracts are to be shared with legislative leaders by the end of our legislative session. HB3548 would exempt from tax the sales of tangible personal property or services made by a business that is owned and operated primarily by one or more individuals who have not attained 18 years of age, who are conducting such business as a sole proprietorship and not through any other legal entity. The exemption would extend only if the business receives limited assistance from adults in the form of supervision, transportation, safety oversight or other incidental support that does not constitute material management or operation of the business; if the business generates gross revenue of less than $1,000 during the calendar year; and if the business operates only on private property with the consent of the owner or lawful possessor of the property, or as part of a community event that separately registers youth vendors. This tax exemption shall not apply if an adult exercises primary control over the business decisions, management, or operations or if the business is materially operated for the benefit of any adult. The measure has been first read in the House and awaits assignment to a committee.