HB 2974 Summary

• Amends Oklahoma teacher minimum salary schedules for school years 2015-2016 through 2020-2021, establishing salary ranges based on education level (bachelor's, national board certification, master's, or doctoral degrees) and years of teaching experience.

• Expands the experience schedule for the 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, and 2020-21 school years to include additional salary steps at higher experience levels (up to 27-30 years of experience depending on the school year).

• Defines "fringe benefits" for salary purposes as retirement benefits, excluding certain military service contributions and flexible benefit allowances.

• Requires the State Board of Education to recognize out-of-state teaching experience from accredited school districts and limits credit for military service and out-of-state teaching to five years for state salary purposes, though local districts may grant more.

• Effective July 1, 2016, with emergency clause declaring immediate necessity for public peace, health, and safety.