Journalist: Lina Quinones (TCC)
Brought into the House Chambers was House Bill OSU-528 otherwise known as the “Competitive Equality in Oklahoma” act of 2025. This was brought in by Rep. Lockhart and Senator Friesen both from OSU.
This act will create a new law within Oklahoma, where all members of Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association, or the O.S.S.A.A., that are private schools must only compete against other private schools within O.S.S.A.A. district competition.
The two (2) congressmen reasoning behind this bill was that private schools have an unfair advantage over public schools. Since private schools get donations that public schools do not get. Private schools have more resources to pour into the activities they want to support.
This bill is how these congressmen will change that unequal playing field. Within the law there are four (4) other parts that state how this new system will work
Within the second (2nd) section it states that any redistricting that the O.S.S.A.A may have to do, they shall. This will make it easier for competition between different private schools. Within that part of the bill there are of course exceptions because of this redistricting, such as logistics, financial, and geographic. That might constrain private schools from competing with other private schools.
This continues into the third section where the O.S.S.A.A. will have to turn in an annual report to the state congress. This report will summarize the decisions regarding redistricting. Within this annual report it must have data rates on participation, metrics on the competitive balance, and as well as any complaints or appeals within that year. The O.S.S.A.A. must also post this on their website for the public to see.
In the fourth section, it states that “OSSAA may provide guidance and technical assistance to private schools to facilitate compliance with district competition rules, including scheduling tools and travel recommendations.”
Now whether the O.S.S.A.A. does provide for these private schools is unknown. Since the decision is up to them.
In the last part the board of the O.S.S.A.A. will have to review how effected this Act is within the new system it would create if implemented every three (3). If there are better ways to make this more effective, the congress will adjust.
This bill would come to be in effect in the beginning of the school year of 2027-2028 after the bill is passed.