Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

Oklahoma Senate Bill SB430

Introduced
2/6/23  

Caption

Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program; requiring administration of certain assessments. Effective date. Emergency.

Impact

The bill is expected to have a profound impact on state laws governing educational scholarships for students with disabilities. It reinforces the state's commitment to ensuring that educational opportunities for children with disabilities align with regulatory standards. By requiring private schools to adhere to certain assessment protocols, SB430 aims to bolster transparency and accountability in how these institutions cater to the educational needs of students on scholarships. This shift is designed to enhance the educational outcomes for students with disabilities and uphold the quality of education they receive.

Summary

Senate Bill 430 aims to amend the Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program by enhancing the criteria for eligibility and participation of private schools within the program. The bill mandates that private schools wishing to participate must agree to administer specific assessments to students receiving scholarships. This amendment seeks to ensure that educational standards and accountability measures are upheld for students with disabilities who choose to enroll in private institutions, which is a significant addition to the existing structure of the program.

Conclusion

Overall, SB430 represents an effort to refine and enhance the Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program, balancing the need for rigorous standards with the rights of parents to choose their children's educational paths. As this bill progresses, its potential effects on local educational frameworks, private school participation, and outcomes for students with disabilities will be critical areas of focus for stakeholders involved.

Contention

However, SB430 has also sparked considerable debate regarding the implications for parental choice and the operational autonomy of private educational institutions. Opponents argue that imposing assessment requirements on private schools encroaches upon their independence and might deter some institutions from participating in the scholarship program. Proponents insist that maintaining rigorous standards is crucial for ensuring that students with disabilities receive the highest level of education and care. The bill’s effects on parental choice and the landscape of options available to families seeking scholarships for their children are likely to be closely monitored.

Companion Bills

OK SB430

Carry Over Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program; requiring administration of certain assessments. Effective date. Emergency.

Previously Filed As

OK SB430

Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program; requiring administration of certain assessments. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB358

Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program; removing requirement for prior school year attendance. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB2673

Schools; statewide system of student assessments; adding optional career-readiness assessments for certain students; effective date; emergency.

OK HB2555

Scholarships; creating the Oklahoma Critical Industries Scholarship Program; effective date; emergency.

OK SB943

Students; creating the Oklahoma Parent Empowerment Act for Kids; providing eligibility for OK PEAK accounts. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB1935

Students; creating the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit Act; creating income tax credit for certain taxpayers; emergency.

OK SB139

Schools; modifying certain subject matter standards; requiring certain students to read certain texts. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB1342

Scholarship programs; the Oklahoma Future Teacher Scholarship and Employment Incentive Program; providing program eligibility to home school students; effective date.

OK SB839

Students; requiring certain association's written policy to include certain provision. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB1626

Tulsa Reconciliation Education and Scholarship Trust; administration of trust; organizations; effective date; emergency.

Similar Bills

OK SB126

Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program; eligibility; modifying discrimination prohibition to which participating private schools must comply. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB358

Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program; removing requirement for prior school year attendance.

OK SB105

Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program; removing prior public school enrollment requirement; modifying eligibility requirements. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB2454

Schools; Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program; modifying eligibility requirements for private school to participate in program; effective date.

OK HB2176

Schools; Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program; including additional disability weights in funding calculation if student is reevaluated; effective date.

OK HB2928

Schools; Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program; eligibility for children with incarcerated parents; effective date.

OK HB3052

Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program; modifying program eligibility; effective date.

OK SB1135

Scholarships; creating the Wellness Scholarship Program Act; providing eligibility for scholarship. Effective date. Emergency.