Bill No. 32 amends the Oklahoma National Guard Educational Assistance Act to enhance the support provided to eligible members of the Oklahoma National Guard pursuing higher education. The bill expands the definition of eligible expenses to include not only resident tuition and mandatory fees but also program fees, academic service fees, and any other course-related fees. It mandates a joint review of these fees by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and the Military Department, allowing the State Regents to determine which fees may be ineligible for assistance. Additionally, the bill introduces caps on the number of credit hours eligible for assistance and establishes criteria for application denial, while also updating statutory references and language.

The bill modifies retention eligibility requirements for Guard members, now including the necessity to possess a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) or Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) after the first semester. It also allows the Military Department to set a cap on the number of participants in the program per semester. Furthermore, it outlines the process for repayment of assistance if eligibility requirements are not met and provides for hardship waivers. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes an emergency clause for immediate implementation upon passage.