OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill to ensure Oklahoma students receive consistent, in-person instruction throughout the school year is on its way to the governor. Senate Bill 758, co-authored by Senate President Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, and Sen. Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, would limit public schools to two virtual days per year that count toward required instructional time.

“Kids learn best in the classroom,” said Senator Thompson, who carried the bill through the Senate Education Committee and floor. “Virtual days have their place in emergencies, but we’ve seen them become a go-to solution in some districts — and that’s not fair to students or families. This bill strikes the right balance by preserving flexibility without compromising the quality of education.”

Under Senate Bill 758, each school board must approve a local virtual instruction plan that addresses special education services (IEPs), nutrition for students who receive free or reduced lunches, transportation access to career tech programs, and an assessment of students’ internet accessibility. The measure also includes accountability requirements to ensure students without internet access aren’t left behind. Senate Pro Tem Paxton, who co-authored the bill, said the measure reflects feedback from parents and educators alike:

“I applaud Senator Thompson for her hard work on this priority piece of legislation, which was important to me as well,” Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton said. “I also want to thank our House counterparts for taking this up, voting for it and sending it to the governor. I truly believe the best place for our kids to learn is in the classroom. Once this becomes law, it will help with learning, social skills and working parents who have to schedule their lives around arbitrary virtual learning days.”

Senate Bill 758 earned broad bipartisan support and will help reestablish statewide expectations around instructional delivery. If signed into law, the bill would go into effect for the 2026-2027 school year.

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For more information, contact: call (405) 521-5592 or email kristen.thompson@oksenate.gov