This bill amends the Oklahoma Inmate Literacy Act by directing the Department of Corrections to establish and fully fund a program that ensures inmates receive a high school equivalency diploma prior to their release. The amendments remove references to a reading proficiency program and eliminate the financial hardship exception that previously allowed certain inmates to be exempt from educational requirements. The bill mandates that all inmates, except those documented as incapable of benefiting from educational programs or those who have already obtained a high school equivalency diploma, must participate in this program.

Additionally, the bill outlines that priority for education program placement will be given to inmates lacking basic literacy skills and those closest to their release dates. Inmates who refuse to participate in recommended education programs will lose eligibility for earned credits and may jeopardize their parole eligibility. Furthermore, any inmate who has not obtained a high school equivalency diploma before their parole eligibility date will be required to participate in approved education programs as a condition of parole, with the possibility of waiving this requirement under certain circumstances. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2026.