Classroom Safety Bill fails deadline despite overwhelming support.
The Classroom Safety bill (HB 3885) sailed through the House earlier this Session with strong bipartisan support, passing the chamber 83–14 and bolstered by more than 1,000 letters of support from POE members.
Yet, despite clear momentum, broad Senate support, and never failing a single vote, the measure was blocked from reaching the Senate floor and denied a final vote in the chamber.
“It is more than disappointing that a common-sense bill to protect students and teachers would fail because of Senate politics,” said House author, Rep. Josh Cantrell. “Political gamesmanship should never stand in the way of protecting our students and teachers from violence. Our classrooms must be safe.”
The need for this legislation remains urgent. Elementary students, educators, and volunteers deserve the same protections already provided in upper grades, and serious violence in classrooms must be met with clear, timely action.
Sen. Kelly Hines, the Senate author, expressed his deep frustration about the bill’s failure in a conversation with POE’s team. Hines made it clear that this issue is not going away, and neither is his resolve to move the legislation forward next year.
To every POE member who spoke out, sent a letter, and stood up for classroom safety: thank you. Your voice helped drive this bill further than ever before and sent a clear message to state lawmakers—violence in our classrooms cannot be ignored.
The work to protect Oklahoma classrooms is not over, and POE members will continue leading the charge.
ThankYou!
Final Days of Session Take Shape
The Oklahoma Legislature is nearing the finish line.
Lawmakers originally hoped to wrap up session early, first eyeing May 1 and later May 7. But with several issues still unresolved, the new target appears to be Thursday, May 14, when both chambers are expected to adjourn sine die, officially ending the 2026 legislative session.
As always at the Capitol, timelines can shift quickly. POE will continue monitoring the final days of session and keep members updated as lawmakers work toward adjournment.
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Sincerely,
POE’s Govt. Affairs Team