The bill amends the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program by expanding eligibility to include children of certified classroom teachers who have been employed in a public school district in Oklahoma for at least ten years. It introduces a provision that exempts these students from the standard financial qualification requirements, allowing them to qualify for the program based solely on their parent’s employment status. The bill also defines "certified classroom teacher" to clarify eligibility and maintains existing requirements for residency, academic standards, and admission to eligible institutions.

Additionally, the bill establishes new financial qualification criteria based on parents' income for adopted students and those in the custody of the Department of Human Services. It specifies income thresholds for determining financial need and clarifies that independent students will have their qualifications assessed based on their income. The bill includes provisions for the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to verify employment status and outlines the responsibilities of parents or guardians in assisting students with compliance. The act 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