Career and technology education; directing the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education to establish certain pilot program beginning in certain school year. Effective date. Emergency.
Summary
SB1480 creates a two-year youth apprenticeship pilot program to be launched by the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education beginning with the 2026-2027 school year. The department must select two technology center school districts to work with public school districts and expand apprenticeship opportunities for students. Each participating technology center district must designate an apprenticeship coordinator to build employer relationships, facilitate student participation, and coordinate with school districts.
The bill allows students age 16 and older in participating public school districts to take part in apprenticeship opportunities and be paid for work performed as part of those apprenticeships. It also requires participating school districts, and students or their parents/guardians depending on age, to sign an apprenticeship participation agreement that indemnifies employers against claims arising from student participation, except in cases of gross negligence, willful misconduct, or clear legal violations. The department must submit a report by December 1, 2028, evaluating the pilot program and recommending whether it should continue.
Impact
The bill adds a new section to Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes governing career and technology education and student apprenticeship participation. It creates a state-run pilot program, assigns duties to the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education and selected technology center districts, and establishes a liability framework and required agreement form for participating students, families, school districts, and employers. It also requires a formal evaluation report to state leaders before the pilot expires.
Sentiment
The available legislative history suggests broad support for the measure. The Senate Education Committee advanced the bill on a strong vote, the Senate passed it unanimously on third reading, and the House Postsecondary Education Committee also approved it unanimously. The committee discussion provided little recorded debate, indicating the bill was generally viewed favorably as a workforce and education initiative.
Contention
There is little evidence of major opposition in the available record, but the main policy issue embedded in the bill is the indemnification requirement for participating school districts, students, and parents or guardians. That provision shifts risk away from employers and could be a point of concern for those worried about student protections or liability exposure. Another possible area of interest is the limited scope of the pilot, since only two technology center districts will participate initially and the program is restricted to students age 16 and older.
Career and technology education; creating the Oklahoma National Guard CareerTech Assistance Act; providing for eligibility; providing for application process. Effective date. Emergency.
Teachers; adjunct teachers; State Board of Career and Technology Education to promulgate certain rules; requiring State Department of Education to assist in implementing rules; effective date; emergency.
Teacher certification; directing the Commission for Educational Quality and Accountability to have certain authority over teacher certification until certain date. Effective date. Emergency.
Schools; directing the Commission for Educational Quality and Accountability to make certain school accreditation determinations until certain date. Effective date. Emergency.
Schools; directing the State Department of Education to establish the School Innovation Grant Program; providing application process. Effective date. Emergency.
Career and technology education; youth apprenticeship programs; Department of Career and Technology Education to oversee and implement program; oversight to the Secretary of Education; effective date; emergency.