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Bill > HB4491


OK HB4491

OK HB4491
Schools; allowing school districts to adopt a policy for certain students to participate in extracurricular activities; eligibility requirements; definitions; standards; effective date.


summary

Introduced
02/02/2026
In Committee
04/01/2026
Crossed Over
03/25/2026
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

An Act relating to schools; amending 70 O.S. 2021, Section 3-140, as amended by Section 10, Chapter 323, O.S.L. 2023 (70 O.S. Supp. 2025, Section 3-140), which relates to student eligibility; authorizing certain virtual charter school students to participate in Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA) activities; allowing school districts to adopt a policy for charter school students, virtual charter school students, and students educated by other means to participate in extracurricular activities the district offers; establishing eligibility requirements; providing options for students to participate in other districts under certain circumstances; prescribing participation requirements for students that align with public school district requirements; defining terms; requiring student participants who are educated by other means to adhere to certain academic standards; providing methods of evaluation of academic standards; amending 70 O.S. 2021, Section 27-103, which relates to school athletic association written policy; prohibiting public schools from joining a school athletic association that does not allow certain students to participate in activities offered by public school districts; providing for codification; and providing an effective date.

AI Summary

This bill allows school districts to create policies enabling students enrolled in charter schools, virtual charter schools, or those educated at home (referred to as "educated by other means") to participate in the district's extracurricular activities, starting with the 2026-2027 school year. These students must meet the same eligibility requirements as traditional public school students, including adhering to academic standards, behavior codes, and any rules set by athletic associations like the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA). If a student's charter or virtual school doesn't offer a particular activity, or if their resident district doesn't have a policy allowing participation, they may be able to join activities in an adjacent school district. Additionally, the bill mandates that any school athletic association a public school joins must allow these students to participate in activities offered by public school districts.

Committee Categories

Budget and Finance, Education

Sponsors (4)

Last Action

Second Reading referred to Education (on 04/01/2026)

bill text


bill summary

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bill summary

Document Type Source Location
State Bill Page http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb4491&Session=2600
BillText https://www.oklegislature.gov/cf_pdf/2025-26%20ENGR/hB/HB4491%20ENGR.PDF
BillText https://www.oklegislature.gov/cf_pdf/2025-26%20FLR/HFLR/HB4491%20HFLR.PDF
Fiscal Note/Analysis - House: Committee Substitute https://www.oklegislature.gov/cf_pdf/2025-26%20SUPPORT%20DOCUMENTS/BILLSUM/House/HB4491%20CS%20BILLSUM.PDF
BillText https://www.oklegislature.gov/cf_pdf/2025-26%20COMMITTEE%20SUBS/HCS/HB4491%20CS.PDF
Amendment to Proposed Committee Substitute (full committee) 1 https://www.oklegislature.gov/cf_pdf/2025-26%20COMMITTEE%20AMENDMENTS/House/HB4491%20FULLPCS1-AMD1%20TREY%20CALDWELL-JM.PDF
Fiscal Note/Analysis - House: Amendment to Proposed Committee Substitute (full committee) 1 https://www.oklegislature.gov/cf_pdf/2025-26%20SUPPORT%20DOCUMENTS/BILLSUM/House/HB4491%20FULLPCS1-AMD1%20BILLSUM.PDF
Fiscal Note/Analysis - House: Proposed Committee Substitute (full committee) 1 https://www.oklegislature.gov/cf_pdf/2025-26%20SUPPORT%20DOCUMENTS/BILLSUM/House/HB4491%20FULLPCS1%20BILLSUM.PDF
Proposed Committee Substitute (full committee) 1 https://www.oklegislature.gov/cf_pdf/2025-26%20COMMITTEE%20AMENDMENTS/House/HB4491%20FULLPCS1%20JOHN%20KANE-SW.PDF
Fiscal Note/Analysis - House: Introduced https://www.oklegislature.gov/cf_pdf/2025-26%20SUPPORT%20DOCUMENTS/BILLSUM/House/HB4491%20INT%20BILLSUM.PDF
BillText https://www.oklegislature.gov/cf_pdf/2025-26%20INT/hB/HB4491%20INT.PDF
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