Oklahoma Lawmakers Boost School Choice Credits to $275M Amid Hot Debate

The Oklahoma House and Senate delivered bipartisan momentum for school choice Tuesday, passing HB 3705 on 70-19 and 39-9 votes respectively, sending it to Gov. Kevin Stitt's desk. Authored by House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, and Senate President Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton, R-Tulsa, the bill lifts the program's annual cap from $250 million to $275 million starting next school year. 'This is about giving every single parent, no matter their income or zip code, the right to choose the school that best suits them,' Hilbert stated.

Demand has outstripped supply, with families claiming $247.8 million in refundable tax credits of $5,000 to $7,500 per child this school year alone, according to the Oklahoma Tax Commission. As of April, 39,587 children benefited, primarily lower- and middle-income families under $150,000 prioritized for the largest credits, said Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, during Senate Rules Committee debate, where it passed 13-3. Stitt, a vocal proponent of 'money follows the student,' has signaled support.

Opposition spotlighted risks to public education funding, especially in rural Oklahoma districts like those in western counties where private options are scarce. Oklahoma Policy Institute analysis reveals 70% of credits go to households earning over $75,000—above the state's $63,000 average—potentially exacerbating urban-rural divides and siphoning resources from public schools. Democrats and some Republicans argued against further expansion without safeguards.