OklahomaHB 3700Oklahoma 2026 Regular SessionHouse

Higher education; requiring policy ensuring student grades are evaluated solely on an academic basis; directing the State Regents to withhold state-appropriated funds for failure to adopt a policy; effective date; emergency.

Sponsored By: Chad Caldwell (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Senate Committee

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

State withholds funds from noncompliant colleges

Starting July 1, 2026, the State Regents must withhold all state-appropriated funds from any public college that has not adopted the academic-only grading policy. Funds stay withheld until the school adopts the policy. Each institution must also submit proof of compliance to the Regents. This enforcement protects students by ensuring schools follow the academic-only grading rule.

Public college grades based on academics

At Oklahoma public colleges and universities, grades must be based only on academics. Examples include attendance, what you know, and meeting course standards. Grades cannot be based on your opinions, beliefs, or conduct unrelated to class. Schools must have this policy in place by the 2026–2027 academic year.

When the new grading rules start

The act declares an emergency and is in force upon passage and approval. Another section sets July 1, 2026 as the start date for the grading policy requirement and enforcement. Schools must have the policy in place for the 2026–2027 academic year.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Chad Caldwell
Republican • House

Cosponsors

David Bullard
Republican • Senate
Julie Daniels
Republican • Senate
Clay Staires
Republican • House
Max Wolfley
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 141 • No: 27

Senate vote • 4/29/2026

THIRD READING

Yes: 38 • No: 7

Senate vote • 4/14/2026

emergency

Yes: 0 • No: 2

Senate vote • 4/14/2026

Committee vote: Education

Yes: 9 • No: 2

House vote • 3/10/2026

THIRD READING

Yes: 80 • No: 13

House vote • 2/25/2026

DO PASS

Yes: 8 • No: 1

House vote • 2/10/2026

DO PASS

Yes: 6 • No: 2

Actions Timeline

Approved by Governor 05/05/2026
5/6/2026House
Sent to Governor
4/30/2026House
Enrolled measure signed, returned to House
4/30/2026Senate
Enrolled, signed, to Senate
4/30/2026House
Referred for enrollment
4/29/2026House
Engrossed measure signed, returned to House
4/29/2026Senate
Measure and Emergency passed: Ayes: 38 Nays: 7
4/29/2026Senate
General Order, Considered
4/29/2026Senate
Coauthored by Senator Bullard
4/29/2026Senate
Coauthored by Representative Wolfley
4/21/2026Senate
Placed on General Order
4/16/2026Senate
Reported Do Pass Education committee; CR filed
4/14/2026Senate
Second Reading referred to Education
4/1/2026Senate
First Reading
3/11/2026Senate
Engrossed, signed, to Senate
3/11/2026House
Referred for engrossment
3/10/2026House
Third Reading, Measure and Emergency passed: Ayes: 80 Nays: 13
3/10/2026House
Coauthored by Representative(s) Staires
3/10/2026House
General Order
3/10/2026House
CR; Do Pass Education Oversight Committee
2/26/2026House
Authored by Senator Daniels (principal Senate author)
2/10/2026House
Policy recommendation to the Education Oversight committee; Do Pass Postsecondary Education
2/10/2026House
Referred to Postsecondary Education
2/3/2026House
Second Reading referred to Education Oversight
2/3/2026House
Authored by Representative Caldwell (Chad)
2/2/2026House

Bill Text

Enrolled (final version)
4/29/2026
PDF
Floor (Senate)
4/15/2026
PDF
Senate Committee Report
4/14/2026
PDF
Engrossed
3/11/2026
PDF
Floor (House)
3/2/2026
PDF
House Policy Committee Report
2/10/2026
PDF
Introduced
1/15/2026
PDF

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