Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program; changing certified classroom teacher to school employee; modifying definition; expanding eligibility to children of permanently disabled veterans; effective date; emergency.

HB 3963 amends Oklahoma's Higher Learning Access Program to expand eligibility for tuition assistance. It adds children of veterans with a 100% permanent disability from military service (certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) to the list of qualifying groups, alongside existing categories like children of certified classroom teachers. The bill changes the definition of "certified classroom teacher school employee" to "school employee" in the eligibility rules. This policy change directly affects qualifying veterans' children seeking in-state tuition assistance at Oklahoma colleges and universities.