HB 4158 Oklahoma House · 2026 Regular Session

Higher education; Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Grant; increasing income cap; effective date; emergency.

HB 4158 increases the income threshold for Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Grants from $50,000 to $80,000 annually for students' parents (or $80,000 for independent students). This change directly affects Oklahoma residents whose family income previously exceeded $50,000 but now qualifies them for the $2,000 annual grant. The bill amends existing eligibility rules under Section 2632 of Oklahoma law, maintaining other requirements like full-time enrollment and institutional accreditation. It takes effect July 1, 2026, with emergency status.

Issues: ✓ Education

Bill status died 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Feb 2, 2026 Last action Feb 19, 2026

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What changed between versions

Introduced → Proposed Committee Substitute (full committee) 1 · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to clarify that the Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Grant can only be used for courses leading to a baccalaureate degree, and to add Randall University to the list of eligible institutions. The effective date was changed from July 1, 2026 to July 1, 2027. The amendment also added language clarifying that the grant cannot be used for courses taken in excess of baccalaureate requirements.

Scope change

The scope of the grant was narrowed to only cover courses or programs for completion of a baccalaureate degree, and Randall University was added to the list of eligible institutions.

ELIGIBILITY

Added a new requirement that grant funds can only be used for courses or programs for completion of a baccalaureate degree.

Added Randall University to the list of eligible institutions that can receive grants.

TIMELINE

Changed the effective date from July 1, 2026 to July 1, 2027.

REQUIREMENT

Clarified that grants cannot be used for courses taken in excess of baccalaureate program requirements.

Floor votes

How they voted

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Feb 19, 2026

Lower · Passed

Recommendation to the full committee; Do Pass Appropriations and Budget Education Subcommittee

lower

Feb 13, 2026

Committee

Referred to Appropriations and Budget Education Subcommittee

lower

Feb 12, 2026

Committee

Referred to Appropriations and Budget

lower

Feb 2, 2026

Introduced

First Reading

lower

2 primary · 0 co-sponsors