House Bill No. 1727 amends the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program (OHLAP) to broaden eligibility criteria for financial assistance in higher education. The bill allows children of certified classroom teachers, who have been employed for at least ten years in a public school district, to qualify for the program without undergoing financial qualification determinations. This change aims to support the children of educators and acknowledges their contributions to the education system. The bill also requires the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to verify the employment status of these teachers to ensure compliance with the new eligibility criteria.

In addition to the provisions for children of teachers, the bill modifies existing eligibility requirements by defining "certified classroom teacher" and clarifying conditions for other students. It maintains original requirements for students while providing exemptions for those in specific circumstances, such as those in custody of the Department of Human Services or a licensed private nonprofit child-placing agency. The bill specifies income thresholds for determining financial need and establishes that independent students will have their financial qualifications assessed based on their income. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with an emergency clause for immediate implementation upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 70-2603, 70-2605
House Committee Substitute: 70-2603, 70-2605
Floor (House): 70-2603, 70-2605