By Fox23.com News Staff
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — Senate Education Committee Chair Senator Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, announced that he has filed legislation to establish the Presidential Fitness Test as a statewide standard for youth physical fitness in Oklahoma schools.
Under Senate Bill 1437, the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) would be directed to develop statewide guidelines to assess student’s overall physical fitness and encourage healthier habits. Guidelines would be based on recommendations from the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition and aligned with the Rural Health Transformation Program framework.
“Physical activity is one of the most important investments we can make in our kids’ future,” Senator Pugh said. “Being active and healthy isn’t just about strength or endurance. It’s about building a foundation for better mental health, stronger academic performance and long-term wellbeing. This legislation encourages healthy habits early in life and supports a culture of fitness that benefits students for a lifetime. These are foundational habits that support overall health and that should always be our goal.”
The bill directs OSDE’s guidelines to include training for personnel responsible for giving the test, exemption procedures for students wih disabilities, medical conditions or other factors that affects participation and a parental opt-out option.
If passed and signed into law, Oklahoma school districts would begin administering the test during the 2026-27 school year. OSDE would be charged with distributing the funds.
The 2026 legislative session starts on February 2.
