Senate Education Committee Approves Senate Bill 758 to Limit Use of Virtual School Days

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Senate Education Committee has approved Senate Bill 758, a measure designed to eliminate virtual school days except in cases of emergency.

The bill, authored by Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, and Senator Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, ensures students receive the in-person instruction necessary for academic success while still allowing districts to utilize emergency virtual days in specific circumstances.

“Virtual learning has its place, but in limited circumstances,” Sen. Thompson said. “We have seen that in-person instruction is the most effective way to educate our students. Senate Bill 758 strikes a balance by allowing emergency virtual days when absolutely necessary while holding districts accountable for ensuring students are engaged and meeting learning requirements.”

Under Senate Bill 758, school districts and charter schools may designate emergency virtual days for situations such as inclement weather, teacher or staff shortages due to illness or building maintenance issues.

Pro Tem Paxton praised the bill’s passage, emphasizing the importance of classroom learning.

“Oklahoma students perform best and learn best when they are in the classroom, receiving direct instruction from their teachers,” Pro Tem Paxton said. “Senate Bill 758 establishes clear guidelines for when virtual instruction is appropriate while reinforcing our commitment to in-person education. This ensures our students receive the best education possible. Virtual learning has been disastrous, and more classroom instruction will help us improve education outcomes.”

The measure also sets minimum virtual instruction hours based on grade level and grants the State Department of Education authority to audit school records to verify compliance. If the audit reveals that less than a majority of students participated in the required hours, the district must provide an additional in-person instructional day.

Additionally, the State Department of Education must publish an annual report detailing emergency virtual day usage by June 30, beginning in 2026.

Senate Bill 758 now moves to the Senate Floor for further consideration.

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For more information, contact: Sen. Kristen Thompson at 405-521-5592 or Kristen.Thompson@oksenate.gov.