Capitol Corner Update: 04.27.2026

Several major education issues are moving as lawmakers enter the final stretch of Session.

 

A classroom safety bill—HB 3885—remains alive after POE’s action alert helped it advance from the Senate Education Committee. However, the bill’s title was struck, meaning it cannot become law until the title is restored. We expect the title to be restored this week, and a minor amendment recommended for the bill. We will keep you updated as the bill advances. For the full update on HB 3885, please tap the link below.

 

Governor Kevin Stitt signed a bill last week that amends the Oklahoma Strong Readers Act. The bill creates a more structured, state-directed process for K-3 reading interventions, including individual reading plans, summer programs, and possible student retention. To read more about the major changes, tap the story below.

 

A teacher retiree return-to-work bill, which was filed last year, is back and advancing. It aims to eliminate the 36-month earnings cap for retired teachers, though the latest version includes a six-month waiting period. Read the full details by tapping the story below.

 

A bill to extend the school calendar is up for a vote on the Senate floor today. We have been tracking the bill—HB 3151—since the beginning of Session, and POE members played a pivotal role in amending it to ensure additional compensation for teachers and to protect staff development and parent-teacher conferences. To read a detailed account of HB 3151’s progression, tap the story link below.

 

Lastly, lawmakers had been aiming to finish Session early and adjourn on May 1, but that timeline is beginning to look unrealistic. May 7 seems to be the new target date, which would still allow the legislature to adjourn well before the constitutional deadline of the last Friday in May 29. However, adjourning before the deadline would be an unusual event.