House Media

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation aimed at expanding access to funding for charter school facilities has been signed into law by the governor. House Bill 3372 , authored by Rep. Rob Hall, R-Tulsa, creates new financial tools to help charter schools secure funding for buildings and infrastructure needs. "This gives charter schools a real shot at building and improving their facilities without being at a disadvantage," Hall said. "If we expect these schools to deliver for students, they need the same kind of opportunities to invest in their classrooms and campuses. We're making sure they can plan, grow and serve families well into the future." The measure establishes a revolving loan fund program to provide lower-interest financing options for charter school capital projects, including construction, renovation and property acquisition. It also creates a bond credit enhancement program to help qualifying charter schools access more favorable financing terms. "This law is about creating a more level playing field so charter schools have access to the same type of facility financing options as traditional public schools," Sen. Adam Pugh, chairman of the Senate Education committee, R-Edmond, said. "By establishing responsible, sustainable funding tools, we’re helping these schools invest in safe, high-quality learning environments while maintaining strong oversight. Ultimately, this is about supporting students and giving families more quality education options across Oklahoma. I appreciate Representative Hall for his help on this measure." Under the law, the programs will be administered with oversight from the Statewide Charter School Board and support from a third-party financial administrator to ensure responsible lending practices and long-term sustainability. The bill also clarifies that charter schools remain responsible for their own financial obligations while establishing safeguards to protect state resources. Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, is the Senate author of the bill. HB3372 will take effect Nov. 1, 2026. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Preston Stinson, R-Edmond, issued the following statement after a shooting Sunday night at Arcadia Lake left at least 23 people injured. "This is a terrifying situation at a place where families gather to make memories. I am thankful that, at this time, no lives have been lost, but 23 people being injured is deeply concerning for our community. "I want to remind young people and families that just because an event is advertised in a certain way does not mean it is safe. You do not always know the people involved. It is important to be diligent about where you go and who you are surrounding yourself with. "I appreciate the quick response from Edmond law enforcement and first responders, and I am praying for those who were injured and their families. We will continue to support efforts to ensure our community remains safe." The shooting occurred during a gathering of young people near Arcadia Lake, a popular swimming and boating destination. A flyer circulated on social media described the event, "Sunday Funday," as featuring food, drinks, music and "good vibes, good people." Stinson is in contact with local officials and is monitoring the situation as the investigation continues to identify the suspects.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Denise Crosswhite Hader, R-Piedmont, today is reminding Oklahomans they can opt-in on a federal income tax credit next year for individual contributions to scholarship granting organizations (SGOs). Funding is to be used for scholarships for elementary and secondary education expenses. Crosswhite Hader is the House author of House Bill 3704 , which recently was signed into law by the governor. She said the federal program is similar to the Oklahoma Equal Opportunity Education Scholarship program, a state tax-credit program that supports scholarship efforts in Oklahoma. HB3704 declares the state's intent to participate to the fullest extent permitted by federal law in the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit. It also directs the governor to formalize the state's election and required agreements and designates the Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC) as the administering agency. State agencies, including the Tax Commission and the governor, are prohibited from adopting rules or regulations that go beyond what federal law requires when implementing this act. "This allows Oklahoma taxpayers the freedom to donate to a registered scholarship granting organization, whether they have children or not," Crosswhite Hader said. "The funding from these organizations will then be available for eligible Oklahoma students to attend the school of their choice or to help pay for other educational expenses, such as tutoring or academic materials. Every parent should have the right to determine the education that is best for their children, and taxpayers should be able to support such choices with their own tax dollars."  Gov. Kevin Stitt previously signed an executive order opting Oklahoma into the federal program. Crosswhite Hader said this legislation just puts this in statute so going forward this will be available to all willing taxpayer participants. The tax credit is part of the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed into law last year by President Trump. The act provides for an individual, dollar-for-dollar tax credit of up to $1,700 per individual taxpayer or $3,400 for a joint federal return for contributions to state-approved, federally recognized nonprofits that distribute private-school scholarships to eligible children, defined as students from households earning no more than 300% of their county’s median income.  States must proactively opt into the federal tax credit program, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2027. Oklahoma is now one of 27 states currently opted in. Under HB3704, the OTC will be required to identify and register eligible SGOs, maintain and submit their list to the U.S. Treasury, develop rules, forms and procedures to administer the list, and ensure compliance with federal guidelines, including contribution reporting and scholarship distribution. The Oklahoma Council on Public Affairs recently reported the tax credit could generate an additional $24 billion in education funding annually nationwide. Every $1 billion in scholarships could fund tuition at a school of choice for 77,000 students or cover tutoring for more than 300,000 students.