Representative Dell Kerbs

R

District 26

Hi, I'm Dell Kerbs and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 26th District.


representative

Leadership

Oversight Committee Chair

60th Legislature

News & Announcements

Mar 26, 2025
Recent Posts

House Passes Bill Strengthening Parental Consent in Special Education Decisions

OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill strengthening parental rights in special education passed the House today, requiring schools to obtain parental consent before enrolling students with IEPs in the Oklahoma Alternate Assessment Program (OAAP). House Bill 1393, authored by Rep. Dell Kerbs, R-Shawnee, now moves to the Senate for further consideration. HB1393 directs the State Board of Education to develop a standardized parental consent form for school districts to use when determining whether a student with an IEP will participate in the OAAP. Under the bill, the form must clearly outline the benefits, risks and legal implications of parental consent or refusal. “This bill prioritizes parental rights while preserving the integrity of the special education process,” Kerbs said. “By requiring parental consent, we ensure that families are fully informed and actively involved in decisions that impact their child’s education. This measure empowers parents to advocate for their children and strengthens collaboration between families and schools.” Under the bill, schools must hold an IEP team meeting with the parent before making any decisions regarding OAAP participation. The school is required to notify parents at least five days in advance, unless otherwise agreed. Additionally, the bill stipulates that schools cannot require a student to participate in the OAAP without parental consent unless the school has made reasonable efforts to obtain consent or has obtained approval through a due process hearing. “This legislation ensures that parents have a clear voice in determining the educational path for their child,” Kerbs said. “By requiring schools to obtain consent before placing students in alternate assessments, we are strengthening transparency and parental involvement in the IEP process.” HB1393 passed with a 71-23 vote and now moves to the Senate for consideration. If signed into law, the measure would take effect on July 1, ahead of the upcoming school year.

Feb 17, 2025
Recent Posts

Kerbs Pulls House Bill 1755

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Dell Kerbs, R-Shawnee, reaffirmed his commitment to finding balanced solutions for all Oklahomans and released the following statement today after withdrawing House Bill 1755. "After careful consideration and extensive conversations with various groups, I have made the decision to withdraw HB1755," Kerbs said. "It is important that we take the time to thoroughly evaluate all perspectives to ensure we are crafting policy that supports our farmers and ranchers while also protecting the interests and well-being of all Oklahomans. I remain committed to working collaboratively with stakeholders to find a balanced and effective solution moving forward."

May 16, 2024
Recent Posts

House Sends Disaster Relief Bills to Senate

Following numerous tornadoes across the state this spring, the Oklahoma House of Representatives passed two bills Tuesday to assist communities affected by recent tornadoes. House Bill 2912 and House Bill 2913 were coauthored by and presented on the House floor by Rep. Judd Strom, R-Copan, whose district includes the town of Barnsdall. The town suffered severe damage as a result of an EF4 tornado on May 6, which led to the deaths of two people and numerous injuries. "The outpouring of support from across the state and country has been tremendous, and I want to thank everyone who has already reached out," Strom said. "This funding represents a major step toward filling a crucial gap in hazard mitigation and restoring the communities across Oklahoma that have been or will be affected by natural disasters, and I'm glad to see strong support for these measures as they move through the process." HB2912 creates the State Assistance Dedicated for Disaster-impacted Local Economies Revolving Fund. The fund would provide advanced financial liquidity to governmental subdivisions directly impacted by a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)-declared emergency or disaster event. Governmental subdivisions could put the funds toward infrastructure repair, temporary housing and shelter, to fund gaps in required matching funds necessary to participate in FEMA programs, and to mitigate revenue losses. HB2913 appropriates $15 million to the State Emergency Fund and $30 million to the fund created by HB2912. Rep. Dell Kerbs, R-Shawnee, whose district is still grappling with the after-effects of a tornado in April 2023, expressed strong support for both bills. "Last year, I saw firsthand the incredible spirit of the Oklahoma standard as people traveled from across the state to provide support," Kerbs said. "Having resources like this funding available is crucial for meeting the minimum funding requirement for specific federal programs and assisting our affected neighbors in their rebuilding efforts." Both bills passed the House 80-0 on Tuesday and now move to the Senate for consideration.