Senate Approves Measure to Increase Classroom Instruction Time

OKLAHOMA CITY - Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, today secured final Senate passage of House Bill 3151, legislation to increase the minimum number of school days for all public school districts, sending the measure to the governor’s desk for consideration.

House Bill 3151, whose House author is Representative Rob Hall, R-Tulsa, requires school districts to be in class for at least 173 days, up from the current minimum of 166 days. The bill also ensures school districts provide an option for in-person parent-teacher conferences.

Pro Tem Paxton has long advocated for increasing instructional time in Oklahoma classrooms, and said the measure is focused on improving student outcomes by prioritizing time spent learning under the guidance of qualified teachers.

“Our students benefit most when they are in the classroom, learning directly from high-quality educators,” Pro Tem Paxton said. “For years, I’ve pushed to increase the number of days our kids are in school because more time in front of qualified teachers leads to better academic outcomes. House Bill 3151 is a thoughtful step in that direction, while also ensuring schools have the resources they need to meet this standard. I thank Representative Hall, who did an outstanding job carrying this legislation and helping move it across the finish line in the House. This has been a team effort to put Oklahoma students first.”

The measure passed off the Senate floor 30-to-17 and will take effect July 1, 2027.

"Time in the classroom is the single most valuable investment we can make in our students, and by increasing the minimum number of instructional days, House Bill 3151 will set students up for long-term success.” Representative Hall said. “I’m grateful to see this measure advance to the governor’s desk, and I appreciate Pro Tempore Paxton for carrying it across the finish line." 

House Bill 3151 now heads to the governor’s desk for consideration.