OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma lawmakers advanced bills expanding college scholarships, recess time and school tutoring while approving limits to virtual school days and diversity programs before a key legislative deadline this week.
Bills had to pass their chamber of origin by Thursday, needing approval of the full House or Senate to continue being considered this year.
A variety of legislation impacting schools and students survived the deadline, including measures that are top-of-mind for House and Senate leaders.
House votes to expand Oklahoma’s Promise, recess, school board powers
One of those priority bills is House Bill 1727 to extend the Oklahoma’s Promise college scholarship to children of classroom teachers who have worked in public schools for 10 years or more. The House sent the legislation from Rep. Anthony Moore, R-Clinton, to the Senate with a 71-20 vote.
HB 1491, another bill House leadership touted, also heads to the upper chamber after passing 80-16 on Wednesday.
The measure from Rep. Ronny Johns, R-Ada, would allow two members of the Oklahoma State Board of Education, and of any district school board with five or more members, to place an item on a meeting agenda by submitting a written request. On school boards with four or fewer positions, a single member could add an agenda item.