Higher Education; Department of Transportation Educational Assistance Act; workforce development grant program; effective date; emergency.

HB 2273 creates the Oklahoma Department of Transportation Educational Assistance Program, providing tuition and fee coverage for Oklahoma students pursuing degrees in fields needed by the Department of Transportation (DOT). Eligible students must enroll in an Oklahoma higher education institution, maintain a 2.0 GPA, and agree to work for the DOT in an eligible profession for five years after graduation. The program covers up to 120 credit hours for undergraduate degrees or a master's program, with repayment required if students fail to complete their degree or work for the DOT as promised. Funding comes from DOT appropriations and private/public donations, with repayments deposited into a dedicated revolving fund.