OK
Oklahoma House Bill HB3372

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

Oklahoma House Bill HB3372

Introduced
2/5/24  

Caption

Schools; Education Leadership Oklahoma Act; creating annual salary bonus for certain licensed professional counselors; effective date; emergency.

Impact

The implementation of HB3372 is expected to enhance recruitment and retention rates for school psychologists and counselors within the education system. By providing a targeted financial incentive, the bill aims to alleviate some of the funding concerns that schools face regarding salaries for specialized roles. The establishment of the revolving fund for the annual bonuses demonstrates a commitment by the state to prioritize mental health and counseling services within public education. However, the allocation is subject to the availability of funds, which could impact the overall effectiveness of the bill.

Summary

House Bill 3372 introduces amendments to the Education Leadership Oklahoma Act, primarily focusing on providing an annual salary bonus for licensed professional counselors, school psychologists, and speech-language pathologists who hold specific national certifications. The bill designates a bonus of $5,000 per eligible individual, with provisions to increase this amount to $7,000 contingent upon the implementation of related statutes. This initiative aims to incentivize qualified professionals to remain in the education sector and support schools across Oklahoma, acknowledging the essential roles these professionals play in student well-being and support.

Contention

One point of contention surrounding HB3372 is the funding mechanism for the bonuses. Since the bonuses depend on the availability of funds, critics may argue that this introduces uncertainty for educational institutions and the professionals relying on these incentives. Moreover, the bill specifies that the bonuses will not count towards the calculation of salaries for meeting minimum salary schedules or for contributions to retirement systems, which could raise concerns among educators regarding their overall compensation and long-term financial stability. The effectiveness of this bill in addressing the overarching issues in educational staffing and funding remains to be thoroughly evaluated.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK HB1037

Schools; requiring annual salary bonuses for school psychologists, speech-language pathologists, and audiologists; effective date.

OK HB2558

Teachers; providing annual bonus for certain teachers with National Board certification; effective date; emergency.

OK HB2827

Schools; creating a grant program subject to the availability of funds to employ school nurses, school counselors, and mental health professionals; effective date; emergency.

OK SB63

Oklahoma Board of Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors; extending sunset date. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB2672

Schools; making an appropriation to the State Board of Education; establishing minimum salary schedule; providing certain stipends; modifying the Stat Aid fundin formula; effective date; emergency.

OK SB822

Students; creating the Oklahoma Education Freedom Act; providing eligibility for Oklahoma Education Freedom Accounts. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB2840

Teachers; providing for and increasing annual bonus amount for teachers with National Board certification; effective date; emergency.

OK HB1910

Schools; creating the Education Act of 2023; effective date.

OK HB2775

Schools; making an appropriation to the State Board of Education; establishing minimum salary schedule; modifying State Aid weights; effective date; emergency.

OK SB482

Schools; establishing minimum salary schedule for teachers; years of experience. Effective date. Emergency.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.