State lawmakers advance dozens of bills, and block dozens more ahead of legislative deadline

State lawmakers are nearing their first legislative deadline and are moving to approve dozens of bills. Any legislation that isn't heard in a committee in the chamber of origin by this Thursday will not be moving forward this legislative session.

Education: 

Senate Bill 388

1. SB 388 allows students enrolled in charter schools and virtual charter schools to be eligible to participate in extracurricular activities offered by the student’s resident school district.
2. The measure is written by Senator Ally Seifried of Claremore.
3. The bill passed out of the Senate Education Committee and will now move to the full senate for consideration.
4. There is an emergency measure, meaning it would go into effect July 1.

Senate Bill 758

1. SB 758 prohibits a school district from counting days or portions of days when school is closed and virtual instruction is provided toward the 180-day requirement for the school year. The measure provides an exception for instances when the Governor issues a state of emergency or the state superintendent approves the use of virtual instruction, and the governing board of the school district approves the use of virtual instruction.
2. The measure also requires the State Department of Education by June 30, 2026, and each subsequent June 30 to publish on its website and electronically submit to the Governor and legislative leaders a report with information regarding the use of virtual instruction.
3. The measure is written by Senator Kristen Thompson of Edmond.
4. The bill passed out of the Senate Education Committee and will now move to the full senate for consideration.

Senate Bill 796

1. SB 796 prohibits institutions of higher education within the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education from utilizing state funds, property, or resources to grant or support diversity, equity, and inclusion positions, programs, or activities.
2. The measure is written by Senator Adam Pugh of Edmond.
3. The bill passed out of the Senate Education Committee and will now move to the full senate for consideration.

Senate Bill 62

1. SB 62 modifies the School District Empowerment Program. The bill prohibits all school districts from making payroll deductions for professional organization dues and political contributions. 
2. The measure is written by Senator Michael Bergstrom.
3. SB 2 failed in the Senate Education committee with a vote of 3-8, and will not move forward this session. 

Public Safety: 

Senate Bill 766

1. SB 766 creates the “Targeted Violence Prevention Act.”
2. The measure authorizes the Office of Homeland Security to collect and disseminate information concerning the activity and identity of individuals that, with probable cause, are suspected of involvement in terrorism or targeted violence. 
3. Disseminated information shall be kept confidential. The unauthorized release of such information shall result in a felony and subject such a person to a term of imprisonment of up to 3 years and/or a maximum fine of $50,000.
4. The measure is written by Senator Warren Hamilton of McCurtain.
5. SB 766 passed out of the Senate Public Safety committee and will now move to the full senate for consideration.

Senate Bill 1111

1. SB 1111 decreases the penalty for participating in or hosting a cockfight from a felony to a misdemeanor and removes the term of imprisonment for a first conviction. Second and subsequent convictions shall subject such a person to a maximum fine of $2,500.00 and/or a term of imprisonment of 1 year. 
2. The measure also narrows language relating to participation in a cockfight to require active participation.
3. The measure is written by Senator Tom Woods. 
4. SB 1111 failed in the Senate Public Safety committee with a vote of 3-4, and will not move forward this session. 

Judiciary: 

Senate Bill 601

1. SB 601 creates the Death Penalty Moratorium Act.
2. The measure establishes a moratorium on the death penalty until action is taken by the Legislature. The measure creates the Death Penalty Reform Task Force until November 30, 2029. The task force shall study and report on the progress of implementing reforms to the use of the death penalty. It shall consist of 5 members and shall meet to organize no later than November 1, 2025.
3. The measure is written by Senator Dave Rader of Tulsa.
4. The bill passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee and now moves to the full Senate for consideration.