Oklahoma Lawmakers Push to Triple School Choice Vouchers Amid Budget Clash

The Oklahoma House Education Appropriations Committee recently advanced House Bill 3705 on a 7-4 vote, proposing to raise the cap on the Parental Choice Tax Credit from $250 million to $300 million starting next school year. If usage exceeds 90% of funds, an additional $50 million would unlock automatically. The bill, now headed to the full Senate, aims to meet surging demand after families claimed $247.8 million this school year, per Oklahoma Tax Commission data.[2][4] Enacted via House Bill 1934 in 2023 and effective January 2024, the program offers refundable tax credits of $5,000 to $7,500 per child for private school tuition, prioritizing families earning under $150,000 annually. Homeschooled students qualify for $1,000 credits toward materials and tutoring. Proponents, including Gov. Stitt's allies, argue it empowers all 700,000-plus Oklahoma school-age children without touching public school budgets, as funds come from a separate tax credit pool.[1][2][5] Opposition from Democrats and groups like the Oklahoma Policy Institute highlights inequities: 70% of credits go to households above $75,000 yearly, well over the state's $63,000 average income. Rural areas, with fewer private options, risk being left behind, they say, as the expansion could balloon costs unchecked. Senate Rules passed a $25 million hike earlier on a 13-3 vote, fueling fears of a budget drain.[2][3] As of April 2026, the 2026-2027 application window opened on the Oklahoma Tax Commission's site, closing June 15. With bipartisan rifts evident—two Republicans joined no votes on HB 3705—the measure tests Oklahoma's commitment to universal choice versus public education funding amid ongoing legislative battles.[3][4][5]