Oklahoma legislation has several bills that they are looking at and passing through to the House of Representatives.
This is something that college students may not realize is going on right now or may not care about, but these bills affect them too some more than others.
There are several bills however that are being passed that directy affect college students.
One bill that was passed by the Oklahoma Senate on March 17 was a name, image and likeness legislation which directly affects college athletes. Senate Bill 490 allows NCAA schools to have revenue-sharing agreements with student athletes.
Each NCAA institution will have a $20.5 million annual salary cap for athlete compensation.
This will be funded through conference distributions, advertising, sponsorships and ticket sales.
The new salary cap will go into effect on June 30.
In an article from the Oklahoman, Sen. Todd Gollihare, R-Kellyville said that as college athletics evolve it is important for Oklahoma to take proactive measures to keep up with national changes.
“This is a pivotal moment in the history of collegiate athletics, and Oklahoma is standing at the forefront,” Gollihare said via the Oklahoman.
On Tuesday, two other bills passed the senate that affect college student, Senate Bill 991 and Senate Bill 942.
Senate Bill 991 defines antisemitism while Senate Bill 942 requires the State Regents for Higher Education develop and enforce polices that prevent antisemitic acts at public colleges and universities.
This bill has had a lot of support among people and is a response to concerns that Jewish students, faculty and families have had in Oklahoma.
Another bill that advanced on Tuesday was Senate Bill 484 which states that new homeless shelters cannot be built within 3,000 feet from any school.
This bill, however, does not apply to youth shelters or domestic violence shelters.
The legislation will not close existing homeless shelters and does not apply to shelters operating within churches.
Whle those bills may or may not affect NWOSU they do affect other univerisities in Oklahoma.
Which could affect friends or family members of NWOSU students so it is important to know them as well.
Senate Bill 841 however, could affect students at NWOSU. This bill is the Strong Readers Act and is designed to enhance literacy education and ensure that future educators get training in the science of reading.
This could affect early childhood, elementary and special education programs at NWOSU.
The bill directs Oklahoma State of Regents for Higher Education to integrate science-based reading instruction into those programs.
Senate Bill 758 was also approved and while it may not affect college students, with the exception of education majors, directly it is still one that affects education.
This bill is designed to eliminate virtual school days except for emergencies.
It will require that the State Department of Education authority to audit school records to verify that students do attend the virtual days they have.
If less than majority of students attend then the distict wil have to add an additional in person day.
The State Department of Education will also have to publish an annual report that details emergency virtual day usage by June 30. This will begin in 2026.
Senate Bill 670 awaits approval of the full senate but it would require medical doctors, osteopathic physicians, physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses to receive an hour of continuing education in integrated behavioral health care.
Those providers will have to include an evidence-based mental health screening to patients either during or before their primary care visit.
Senate Bill 364 passed the senate and is meant to prohibit punishments that cause physical pain such as hitting, paddling, spanking and slapping as a form of punishment to students with disabilities.
Oklahoma National Guard members will be able to recieve Career Tech tuition assistance if Senate Bill 31 gets passed.
This will help members of the Oklahoma National Guard gain an education.
Senate Bill 231 if approved will help families and students financially by adding more back-to-school items to be exempted from taxes during tax-free weekend.
Some of these items include sportswear, school supplies, school art supplies, instructional matereials and computer supplies.
It will also make tax free weekend run from the first Friday of August through the following Sunday each year.
Senate Bill 640 moves to the house for consideration if approved it will change the distance required between marijuana facilities and school entrances from 1,000 feet to 3,000 feet.
It will also make the same changes between marijuana facilities and places of worship.
This bill will reinforce Oklahoma’s commitment to keep schools and places of worship free of influence.
Bill 640 is a response to parents and community leaders being concerned about the increased visibility of dispensaries and grow facilities near schools and places of worship.
The legislative sessions are scheduled to end on May 30 and it is important for students to be made aware of the bills that are passed in case they do affect them even if it only affects them in a small way.
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