The passage of SB690 this year marked a significant milestone for incentivizing High School Equivalency (HSE, often more commonly called GED or HiSET) attainment for those in county jails. Two years ago, a student in one of Family & Children’s Services(FCS) adult education programs at Tulsa County Jail pointed out legislation that discouraged earning his HSE behind jail bars—despite education being one of the strongest factors in reducing recidivism. With ~50% of those incarcerated in Oklahoma lacking a diploma, and 95% of Oklahoma’s critical jobs requiring one, this was a barrier we knew should be removed.

Yesterday, Governor Stitt ceremonially signed SB 690 which goes into effect November 1, 2025. This bill ensures incarcerated individuals in jails can earn the same achievement credit for earning their HSE as those in prison.

Education changes lives, strengthens our workforce, and reduces recidivism. That’s a win for everyone.

Thank you to the those who made this possible:

• Gov. Kevin Stitt
• Sen. Michael Bergstrom (bill author)
• Rep. Mark Lepak (coauthor)
• Cheryl Kane & Christopher Graham – FCS GED instructors
• Amy Knuckles – FCS Education Supervisor
• Lani Burns – FCS Director of Employment & Education

If you teach in jails and need support on ensuring your students get access to this credit, please reach out to us at info@okaace.org.