House Bill No. 1979 establishes the Early Childhood Task Force in Oklahoma, aimed at improving access to and delivery of high-quality early childhood services for families and children. The task force will consist of seventeen members, including representatives from various state departments, child care providers, and educational institutions, who will be appointed by designated officials. The task force is required to elect a chair and vice-chair, develop a vision and mission statement, and submit initial and final reports to state legislative leaders by November 2027 and November 2028, respectively. Members will serve voluntarily without compensation, although state agency employees may claim certain expenses.

The bill outlines the task force's responsibilities, which include analyzing the current early childhood delivery system, conducting stakeholder engagement, and drafting a transition plan for a new governance structure for early childhood services. The task force will also be guided by principles focused on equity, efficiency, and community needs, and will operate under the Oklahoma Open Records Act and Open Meeting Act. The recommendations made by the task force will be considered advisory and will not bind state agencies to implement them. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2026.