Oklahoma Senate Bill SB387

Oklahoma 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/3/25
• Refer: 2/4/25
• Report Pass: 3/4/25
• Engrossed: 3/11/25
• Refer: 4/1/25
• Refer: 4/2/25
• Report Pass: 4/17/25
• Enrolled: 4/29/25
• Passed: 5/5/25

Caption

Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology; modifying definition of eligible student. Effective date.

Impact

The bill effectively amends existing legislation related to the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology, specifically targeting the definition of eligible students and the nature of internship partnerships. By encouraging organizations to offer internships in high-tech fields, it has the potential to significantly impact employment opportunities within Oklahoma. The bill stipulates that applicants must secure additional funding, ensuring that at least 50% of project costs come from non-state sources. This mitigates the reliance on state funds while promoting private sector involvement in workforce training.

Summary

Senate Bill 387 aims to enhance workforce development in Oklahoma by modifying definitions and creating an internship partnership program administered by the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology. The bill focuses on supporting students enrolled in STEM disciplines by providing competitive fund opportunities for organizations that hire qualified interns. This initiative seeks to foster partnerships that can lead to innovative industry projects, ultimately benefiting both students and the state's economy.

Sentiment

General sentiment around SB387 appears to be positive among stakeholders interested in education and workforce development. Supporters of the bill believe it is a necessary step toward equipping students with real-world experience in technology and innovation. By providing structured internship opportunities, proponents argue that it will help bridge the gap between education and employment, particularly in STEM fields which are critical for the state's economic growth.

Contention

While the discussions surrounding SB387 have primarily been supportive, some concerns may arise regarding the implementation and effectiveness of the internship partnerships. Critics may question whether the internships facilitated through this program will truly lead to meaningful employment opportunities or if they could potentially serve as unpaid labor. Ensuring the quality and educational value of these internships will be essential, as well as monitoring the outcomes for students to assess the bill's success in meeting its goals.