SB 1340 raises income eligibility limits for Oklahoma's Higher Learning Access Program, directly affecting low-income students seeking college benefits. Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, the bill increases the maximum parent federal adjusted gross income for qualification to $60,000 (for families with two or fewer children), $70,000 (three or four children), and $80,000 (five or more children). This updates previous thresholds that were lower for earlier school years. The change expands access to the program by allowing more students from middle-income families to qualify for benefits like tuition assistance.
SB 1247 removes an exception that previously allowed certain non-lawfully present students to qualify for resident tuition and financial aid at Oklahoma public colleges and universities. It amends Oklahoma law to prohibit these students from receiving resident tuition rates or postsecondary education benefits, aligning with the broader rule that non-lawfully present individuals are ineligible for such benefits. The bill repeals the outdated Section 3242 of the Oklahoma Statutes and takes effect on July 1, 2026. This change directly affects undocumented students seeking in-state tuition rates at Oklahoma's public higher education institutions.
HB 2361, the "Successful Adulthood Act," requires Oklahoma's Department of Human Services to provide foster youth aged 14 and older with a "Notice of Rights" explaining their legal protections. It mandates that youth transitioning out of foster care at age 18 receive essential documents, including birth certificates, Social Security cards, medical records, and educational transcripts, to support independent living. The bill extends eligibility for transition services, including housing, education, and Medicaid coverage, until age 21 for those in foster care due to abuse or neglect. It also requires the Department to provide information about college financial aid programs to foster youth and their guardians. These provisions aim to improve stability and self-sufficiency for young adults aging out of foster care.
HB 1955 supports Oklahoma teachers seeking National Board certification by expanding financial assistance and recognition. It provides up to $1,800 per teacher annually (covering $1,300 in fees plus a $500 scholarship) for application costs and certification expenses, with repayment required if certification isn’t completed within three years. The bill also establishes a $5,000 annual bonus for 10 years for teachers certified before June 30, 2013, or those who applied before that date, while clarifying that bonus eligibility excludes certain salary increments. Additionally, it mandates free mentorship and training support for participating teachers through university partnerships. The law took effect November 1, 2025.
This bill, titled "Mathematics instruction..." but actually amending the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program, adjusts financial eligibility rules for students seeking higher education support. It raises income thresholds for program qualification (e.g., $80,000 annually for families with five+ children starting in 2025-2026) and adjusts age limits for participation (extending to age 18 for some applicants). Students must meet updated income requirements and comply with program terms like regular school attendance and avoiding substance abuse to maintain eligibility. The bill directly affects Oklahoma students in grades 5-11 seeking financial aid for post-secondary education through this state program.
HB 2256 creates a revolving fund in the Oklahoma State Treasury to support apprenticeship scholarships for high school graduates. The fund, financed by state appropriations and private donations, will provide grants covering tuition and fees for eligible students entering federally approved technical apprenticeship programs through Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committees. Applications for these grants will be reviewed competitively statewide by the Oklahoma State Board of Career and Technology Education. The program becomes effective November 1, 2025.
HB 1727 amends Oklahoma's Higher Learning Access Program (OK HAP) to add a new eligibility category for children of certified classroom teachers. Specifically, it allows students whose parents are certified teachers to qualify for tuition assistance without needing to meet standard financial need requirements (normally required under Section 2603). The bill does not change other eligibility criteria like residency, academic performance, or admission standards. This change directly affects students pursuing higher education in Oklahoma whose parents work as certified teachers in the state. The policy went into effect June 10, 2025, after Governor approval.
This bill removes a requirement that students with disabilities must have attended a public school the previous year to qualify for the Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarship Program. It directly affects families seeking private school options for children with disabilities who previously needed public school enrollment history. The key change eliminates the "prior public school attendance" rule in Section 13-101.2, while maintaining other eligibility criteria like having an IEP or meeting specific exemptions (e.g., military transfers, foster care, homelessness). Private schools must still meet program standards, and scholarships remain available until the student graduates, enrolls in public school, or turns 22. The change makes the program more accessible for eligible students without prior public school enrollment.
HB 2273 creates the Oklahoma Department of Transportation Educational Assistance Program, providing tuition assistance to eligible Oklahoma residents pursuing degrees in fields needed by the Department of Transportation (DOT). Students receive coverage for resident tuition, fees, and academic service fees (up to 18 credit hours per semester) for up to 120 credit hours toward an undergraduate degree or a master's degree, contingent on maintaining a 2.0 GPA and good academic standing. In exchange, participants must work for the DOT in an eligible profession for five years after graduation; failure to complete the degree or fulfill the work requirement triggers repayment of all assistance received. The program is funded through DOT resources and private/public donations, with repayments deposited into a dedicated revolving fund.
SB 472, titled "Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit Act; expanding scope of scholarships while participating in the program," was withdrawn from committee on February 19, 2025, and is no longer active. The bill's original intent, as reflected in its title, was to expand tax credit eligibility for education scholarships under Oklahoma's parental choice program. However, with the title stricken and the bill withdrawn, no legislative action or policy changes were enacted. This procedural withdrawal means the proposed expansion of scholarship access did not advance.
