Oklahoma House Oversight Committee Advances Transparency Bill on Federal Education Guidance

The Oklahoma House of Representatives today advanced House Bill 2151 out of the Education Oversight Committee. Authored by Rep. Rob Hall, R-Tulsa, HB 2151 is aimed at increasing transparency in the federal Department of Education (ED) guidelines for the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE). The bill requires the Oklahoma State Department of Education to publicly disclose online all guidance documents it receives from the U.S. Department of Education, ensuring that the public have access to the federal influence on state-level education decisions.

Rep. Hall emphasized the need for this legislation, citing concerns over how federal guidance can shape state policy outside of the proper legal framework.

“Federal agencies can use guidance documents to tip the scales of state policy in an improper and extralegal manner. These directives are often used as a backdoor means of pressuring state officials into compliance with federal priorities, without going through the proper rulemaking process,” said Hall.

The motion to file HB2151 follows a May 2023 guidance document from the Biden Administration, which cited Oklahoma City Public Schools in allegations of racial discrimination. This document, which raised concerns about the federal government’s overreach into local education matters, highlighted the urgent need for transparency in how federal agencies influence state education policies.

“This legislation is critical because it guarantees the public’s right to know exactly what guidance the federal government is handing down to our state’s education system. Oklahoma parents, educators and policymakers deserve full visibility into the directives shaping their schools,” said Hall.

HB2151 passed 9-0 out of the Education Oversight Committee and will now move to the House floor for consideration.