Representative Chad Caldwell

R

District 40

Hi, I'm Chad Caldwell and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 40th District.


representative

News & Announcements

May 13, 2026
Recent Posts

College Grading Based on Academics and Not Beliefs Now Law

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid, today commented on the governor signing into law House Bill 3700 . The measure requires college students to be graded solely on academic performance, including attendance, and not on their opinions, beliefs, or conduct unrelated to academic situations. "College students should never feel they have to self-censor for fear of receiving a negative grade simply because their beliefs run contrary to those of their professor's," Caldwell said. "Nor should they think they'll get a better grade by agreeing with the opinions or beliefs of those grading their assignments. The purpose of higher education is to teach students to think for themselves and be able to express their ideas within the academic context."  Caldwell said the legislation came from a recommendation by the Oklahoma Free Speech Committee, established under the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. The committee came through House Bill 3543 , enacted in 2022, also authored by Caldwell. "Currently, only one of the state's 25 colleges and universities has a policy that clearly states what is now contained in this law," Caldwell said. "It should be a foundational standard that every student should expect to be graded only on their academic performance. With this legislation, when students decide to enroll in an Oklahoma college or university, they can now rest assured their First Amendment rights will be honored." Also signed into law is House Bill 3701 , which would require the State Regents of Higher Education to review college degree programs on a five-year cycle. Any program determined to be "low producing," as defined in the measure, would trigger an annual review by the Regents, who must then consider suspending or deleting the program. The program could continue if it meets certain exceptions, but it would be placed on probationary status for three years and must submit a plan for improvement. Caldwell said this bill simply codifies into statute the Regents’ existing procedures for consolidating low-producing programs. The State Regents earlier voted to eliminate 41 low-producing degree programs and suspend 21 others.

May 6, 2026
Recent Posts

Rep. Chad Caldwell Celebrates Parental Choice Tax Credit Increase Becoming Law

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid, applauds the signing of a bill that will give more parents the chance to choose the educational experience that best meets their child's needs. Caldwell is a coauthor of House Bill 3705 , which increases the annual cap on the Parental Choice Tax Credit program from $250 million to $275 million beginning in Fiscal Year 2027, which starts July 1. Under the program’s tiered structure, eligible families may receive refundable tax credits ranging from $5,000 to $7,500 per student for private school tuition, depending on household income. Additionally, families who homeschool may qualify for a $1,000 per-student tax credit for approved educational expenses. "This program has been extremely well-received by Oklahoma families, as shown by record application numbers this year," Caldwell said. "I truly believe education is the most important thing the state does for its citizens. A quality education has the power to change someone's life. And parents, not the government, should have the power to decide the best educational path for their child. I'm glad the Legislature and the governor responded to the growing demand by expanding the cap for this vital program, so more parents have the flexibility to choose the education their children deserve." The Parental Choice Tax Credit program was established through House Bill 1934  in 2023. This program is just a part of the legislative commitment aimed at improving education in Oklahoma. In addition to creating the popular school choice program in 2023, the Legislature has also invested more than $1 billion in new funding for public education.  "Parents deserve a choice of where to send their children to school," said House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, the House author of the bill. "For many, that's the local public school. However, if that school is not meeting their needs, parents should be able to put their tax dollars toward the place where their child will truly flourish." The Parental Choice Tax Credit program is administered by the Oklahoma Tax Commission, which opened applications for the 2026–27 school year on March 16. The commission reported nearly 27,000 applications for the upcoming school year were submitted on the first day alone. The application period for the tax credit closes at 11:59 p.m. Monday, June 15. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit all required documentation before the deadline to ensure consideration.  More information, including application guidance and eligibility details, is available on the Oklahoma Tax Commission’s website: https://oklahoma.gov/tax/individuals/parental-choice-tax-credit.html .

Apr 28, 2026
Recent Posts

House Sends Bill to Permanently Ban Cell Phones in Schools to Governor's Desk

Today the Oklahoma House sent a bill to the Governor's desk that requires school districts to permanently adopt a policy prohibiting students from using cell phones on campus during the school day. “Bell to Bell, No Cell” was originally introduced as pilot legislation in 2025, requiring Oklahoma school boards to adopt policies prohibiting cell phone use on campus during the school day. Feedback from teachers, students and parents following the pilot program was overwhelmingly positive, prompting legislators to advance permanent legislation establishing the cell phone ban in state statute. House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, emphasized that the policy, paired with strong literacy reforms passed this year, represents an important step forward for Oklahoma schools. “This legislation is one of the most meaningful bills written during my time in the House,” said Hilbert. “I’ve heard from both parents and teachers who are grateful for this reform. Hallways are loud again, students are playing Uno at lunch, and they’re actually interacting with one another. This legislation permanently allows kids to be kids, and our teachers to teach in our classrooms.” The legislation requires that any policy prohibiting cell phone use must also include a provision for emergency use, including items used for medical issues. The bill also allows local school districts flexibility in how they implement the policy. “As a father of three, I knew how important this legislation would be in our schools and for our kids. I have worked for the last 12 years in the House on a lot of important legislation that has had a meaningful impact on schools, but making this ban permanent I think will tremendously improve the academic focus in our classrooms for years to come,” said House Education Appropriations Chairman Chad Caldwell, R-Enid, and author of the bill.  “Bell to Bell, No Cell has worked wonders in classrooms across Oklahoma,” said Senator Ally Seifried, R- Claremore, and senate author of the bill. “With fewer distractions from cellphones and social media, students are engaged and focused on their schoolwork again. Making this permanent is the right move for Oklahoma kids, and I look forward to seeing academic outcomes continue to improve the longer this policy is on the books.”