Bills targeting DEI funding, cellphone use in schools advance at Oklahoma Capitol

Several bills at the Oklahoma Capitol moved one step closer to becoming law this week after advancing out of committee.

One of the most closely watched proposals is a Senate bill that would ban Oklahoma’s public colleges and universities from using state funds to support diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs. The measure cleared a House committee and is now eligible for a vote on the House floor.

Another Senate bill that would add new requirements for filing initiative petitions, including changes to signature thresholds and verification procedures, also passed out of a House committee and is headed to the full chamber.

Meanwhile, both House and Senate versions of legislation aimed at restricting cellphone use in public schools advanced this week. The proposals would limit or ban student access to phones during the school day in an effort to reduce distractions and improve classroom focus.

A Senate bill hoping to restrict where homeless shelters can be built failed in committee. The bill would have banned shelters within 3,000 feet of schools in cities smaller than Oklahoma City and Tulsa. A House committee chose not to vote on the bill, meaning it will not move forward this legislative session.

RELATED:

1. ‘Not solving any problem’: OKC’s Homeless Alliance, lawmakers question bill to restrict homelessness shelter zoning
2. Bill limiting location of new homeless shelters advances in Oklahoma Senate