Bills assisting students of military families moves forward

The Senate gave overwhelming support to two bills Thursday to help lighten the burden for military families transferring to Oklahoma. Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Committee Chairman Sen. Frank Simpson, R-Springer, was pleased that Senate Bills 68 and 69 have been sent on to the House. The Navy veteran said the measures will help get the children of these active military parents back in school as quickly as possible.

“Hundreds, if not thousands, of military families are transferred to our four military bases each year.

Moving constantly is one of the hardest parts of being in a military family, and these bills will remove at least one major stress and that’s getting their children back in the classroom as soon as they get settled,” Simpson said. “Regardless of whether they want to attend a traditional or charter school, by allowing electronic enrollment prior to their move, schools can get everything arranged before the family arrives to their new home. I want to thank my Senate colleagues for joining me in supporting these bills and our outstanding military families.”

SB 68 was requested by the U.S. Department of Defense to bring Oklahoma in line with other states under the National Compact on the Education of Military Children. The measure provides for school district residency status for children of active military personnel who have been or will be transferred to a state military base. It also requires schools to accept the students’ enrollment applications electronically and requires parents to provide proof of residence within 10 days of moving to Oklahoma.

SB 69 carries the same provisions for military children enrolling in a statewide virtual charter school—something only Oklahoma residents are currently able to do.

Rep. Max Wolfley, R-Oklahoma, will carry the bills in the House.                     

For more information, contact:  Sen. Simpson: (405) 521-5607 or Frank.Simpson@oksenate.gov