Bill that would limit Oklahoma public school virtual days expected to be refiled

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Two Republican state lawmakers plan to refile a bill from the last legislative session that would limit the use of remote learning days by Oklahoma public schools.

Senate Pro Tem-Elect Lonnie Paxton (R-Tuttle) and Senator Kristen Thompson (R-Edmond) announced plans to refile Senate Bill 1768 on Thursday afternoon.

“We continue to see the disastrous and inefficient effects virtual learning is having on our children,” Paxton said. “We also continue to see school districts across the state plan their calendars for next year that include even more virtual days. Children learn best when they are in the classroom. They also learn critical social skills and how to interact with their peers. Virtual learning also puts a strain on working parents, who must find childcare or take off from work. For these reasons and more is why Senator Thompson and I have decided to refile legislation from last session that will limit virtual days in public schools.”

Under the bill, public schools would only be allowed to move to virtual learning in the event of inclement weather, staff shortages, illness, building maintenance issues, or if deemed necessary by school administrators and approved by the Oklahoma State Department of Education.

“This is necessary legislation to ensure students are getting the best education possible, which is in-person and in the classroom,” Thompson said. “I have seen firsthand the lack of quality instruction that occurs on a remote learning day. We have a responsibility to our children that they get the best education possible. I look forward to filing this measure again.”

The bill died after failing to make it through the State House of Representatives before the last legislative session ended. SB 1768 may be considered when the 2025 legislative session starts on February 3.