This week, the House spent hours on the floor this week to hear and vote on hundreds of bills. Thursday was the legislative deadline to pass bills through the chamber in which they originated.
Prior to the deadline, I was able to pass six bills that I authored through the House, including a number of education related policies.
House Bill 3966 directs the Office of Educational Quality and Accountability to reward teachers who are renewing their National Board Teaching Certification by paying for a portion of their renewal application. Further, HB 3966 authorizes the OEQA to use money from the “Education Leadership Oklahoma Revolving Fund” to provide the annual bonuses and financial assistance for certificate renewal.
The measure also eliminates the salary schedule specific to teachers who have attained National Board Certification, and directs the OEQA to provide National Board Certified teachers with a $5,000 bonus annually for the duration of their certification. School districts are required to pay the full $5,000 bonus even if the district already pays above the salary schedule.
House Bill 3805 creates the Advanced Roles for Teachers and School Leaders Act, which directs the State Board of Education to establish a three year pilot program to support advanced roles for teachers. It also allows increased compensation for teachers who demonstrate advanced roles and gives principals the freedom to expand their leadership capabilities.
The bill also outlines how appropriated funds should be spent on the program, which would launch in January 2021. The program would be evaluated in three years to determine its success and whether it should be continued.
House Bill 3804 reframes the definition of computer science courses and expands what qualifies as an art requirement toward high school graduation. An art requirement could be met with dance, drama, and general, vocal, or instrumental music courses.
Bills I passed that address other issues include House Bill 3806, which creates the Oklahoma Meat Consumer Protection Act. It aims to ensure clarity and accuracy in labeling or advertising of meat and plant-based food items.
House Bill 3803 also passed. This legislation gives court reporters for the district court, the Workers’ Compensation Court of Existing Claims, or the Corporation Commission a one-time stipend of $2,500 on Oct. 1, 2020.
My sixth bill was House Bill 3482, which modifies the Veterinary Practice Act and allows consultations to be conducted via video. It also creates an expedited veterinary medicine or veterinary technician license procedure for active military or spouse and authorizes the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners to grant scholarships.
Now that the House has met this vital deadline, all approved House bills will transfer to the Senate to begin the legislative process on their side. The House will start considering Senate bills in committees over the next few weeks.
As always, please reach out to my office if you plan to visit the Capitol or with policy questions. Thank you for allowing me to represent District 65!
Rep. Toni Hasenbeck, a Republican, represents District 65 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which includes Caddo, Comanche, Cotton, Grady and Stephens Counties.