Oklahoma Legislature Completes Session
On May 22, the Oklahoma Legislature adopted a $7.1 billion 2015-16 general fund budget, up 0.2 percent over the original 2014-15 budget, and adjourned its 2015 legislative session one week early. K-12 education receives $2.5 billion in general funds, the same as 2014-15. State universities receive $963.4 million, down 2.5 percent.
Education legislation passed during the session includes Senate Bill 20, which allows the state Board of Education (BOE) to certify a teacher who is certified in another state. House Bill 2014 authorizes local school boards to allow eligible school personnel to carry handguns on school property. Senate Bill 711 requires school administrators to notify the BOE when a school dismisses a teacher or a teacher resigns due to accusations of sexual abuse or exploitation that may result in criminal charges.