Committees

OKLAHOMA CITY— Several Oklahoma state lawmakers are expressing concern regarding recent student walkouts and protests occurring within taxpayer-funded public schools that target ICE agents, law enforcement personnel and officers tasked with ensuring the safety and security of Oklahoma communities. Rep. Gabe Woolley, R-Broken Arrow; Sen. Dana Prieto, R-Tulsa; Sen. Julie McIntosh, R-Porter; Rep. Molly Jenkins, R-Coyle; Rep. Jim Olen, R-Roland; Rep. Jim Shaw, R-Chandler; Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore; Sen. Brian Guthrie, R-Bixby; Sen. Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin; and Sen. Shane Jett, R-Shawnee, said they were concerned about several walkouts that took place today at schools across the state, including Hale High School, Edison Preparatory Academy, Booker T. Washington High School and the Tulsa School for Arts and Sciences. "Several student walkouts have taken place during regular school hours at public schools across our state," they said. "While we respect the rights of individuals to express their views, we are concerned when these actions occur during instructional time and appear to target law enforcement officers and federal agents who are carrying out lawful duties. That risks undermining respect for the rule of law, disrupting the educational environment and sending a troubling message about civic responsibility. "We are particularly mindful of the safety of students and the protection of parental authority. Parents have a right to know where their children are during the school day. We question whether students who left class had written parental permission and sincerely hope no student was allowed to leave school property without clear consent from a parent or guardian. "Instructional time is funded by taxpayers for the purpose of educating our children. If students are permitted to be outside the classroom or off campus during the school day, it should only occur with parental knowledge and approval. Schools exist to educate students and to work alongside parents, and taxpayer resources should not be used to facilitate political demonstrations. "No adult should be using school time or school property to encourage students to oppose law enforcement or engage in political activism. Law enforcement officers and federal agents protect our communities and maintain public safety. Our public schools should remain focused on providing a safe, orderly and respectful learning environment that prioritizes education, student well-being and strong parental involvement."

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ross Ford, R-Broken Arrow, has filed legislation that initially would increase the ad valorem tax exemption homeowners are allowed each year from $1,0000 to $2,315.  Under House Bill 4103 , beginning in 2032 and every five years thereafter, the amount would increase by a percentage equal to the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index for the most recent five-year period for which final data is available immediately preceding the adjustment date. "There's been a lot of discussion about the elimination of property taxes," Ford said. "The consequent worry, however, is what that might mean for core services such as public education, safety, infrastructure and many other areas," Ford said. "This approach strikes a balance between giving homeowners a larger exemption on their property taxes while still supporting the services and programs they use every day." Rep. Mark Chapman, R-Broken Arrow, is a co-author on the bill. "Property tax relief is something homeowners across Oklahoma care deeply about,” Chapman said. “At the same time, we have to be mindful of how changes might affect the local services on which families rely. This bill takes a responsible approach by providing meaningful relief while maintaining long-term stability for our communities." If enacted, the legislation would take effect Jan. 1, 2027. HB4103 has been assigned to the House Appropriations and Budget Finance Subcommittee. If it passes there, it would face a vote in the full A&B Committee before being eligible for a vote by the full membership of the House. Bills have until Feb. 19 to pass out of subcommittee. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Michelle McCane, D-Tulsa, introduced three bills eligible to be heard during the Second Regular Session of the 60th Oklahoma Legislature that address quality public education. “At this point, it is common knowledge that Oklahoma ranks 50th nationally when it comes to public education,” said McCane. “These bills are designed to ensure professionals working within public education are paid fairly. When we have qualified staff at all levels, we can better implement solutions that will help Oklahomans receive the quality, free public education they deserve.” HB 3485 gives public school employees the same benefit allowance as state employees, including legislators. This measure would allow our public education employees to put more money in their pockets while also supporting the health of themselves and their families. HB 3486 limits district superintendent salaries to no more than six times their first-year teacher salary. This would ensure equal pay among school districts and redirect excess funds toward students and teachers. Lastly, HB 3487 sets the minimum hourly wage for public school employees at $15. When public school employees are paid fairly, they are less likely to cease employment at public schools. This would reduce public school employee turnover and provide for a better quality of service from public school employees. All three bills were referred to the Appropriations and Budget Education Subcommittee. -END-