Oklahoma Representative Dick Lowe said the House Common Education Committee met its Feb. 19 deadline by advancing several education measures aimed at students, teachers and families.
Lowe, who chairs the committee, said members evaluated proposals based on whether they improve outcomes for Oklahoma students.
Among the bills approved:
House Bill 4358 would limit public school students in prekindergarten through fifth grade to one hour of screen time per school day.
House Bill 4359 would require statewide student assessments to be administered each May beginning in the 2026–27 school year.
House Bill 3467 would expand maternity leave benefits for full-time education employees to include leave following the adoption of a child under four years old.
House Bill 3711 would require school districts to post the percentage of total expenditures dedicated to instructional costs on their websites and include that information with bond proposals.
House Bill 3032 would require parents or guardians to complete an application for free or reduced-price school meals during enrollment, with an option to opt out.
In total, 16 bills cleared the committee and now move to the House Education Oversight Committee for further consideration.
