The bill amends the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program to broaden eligibility criteria by including children of certified classroom teachers, allowing them to participate without demonstrating financial need if their household income exceeds 700% of the federal poverty level. It also updates the eligibility requirements for students, extending the timeframe for entering into agreements and permitting the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to grant exceptions to certain age limits. The bill clarifies definitions and requirements for financial need, particularly for students who have been adopted or placed in the custody of the Department of Human Services, and mandates verification of parents' employment status while ensuring confidentiality of students' Social Security numbers.

Additionally, the bill introduces new financial eligibility criteria for students applying for the program starting in the 2025-2026 school year, assessing students in grades eight through twelve and those aged thirteen to seventeen based on their parents' federal adjusted gross income. Income thresholds are established at $60,000 for families with two or fewer dependent children, $70,000 for families with three or four, and $80,000 for families with five or more dependent children. The bill also allows for exceptions to age limits for students facing hardship circumstances and is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with an emergency clause for immediate implementation upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 70-2603, 70-2605
House Committee Substitute: 70-2603, 70-2605
Senate Committee Substitute for House Bill: 70-2603, 70-2605
Floor (House): 70-2603, 70-2605
Floor (Senate): 70-2603, 70-2605
Engrossed: 70-2603, 70-2605
Amended And Engrossed: 70-2603, 70-2605
House Conference Committee Substitute: 70-2603, 70-2605
Enrolled (final version): 70-2603v2, 70-2605