House Bill No. 2257 amends the Oklahoma National Guard Educational Assistance Act to enhance the support provided to eligible Guard members pursuing higher education. The bill expands the definition of eligible fees to include not only resident tuition but also approved mandatory fees, program fees, academic service fees, and any other fees associated with courses, subject to a joint review and approval by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and the Military Department. Additionally, the bill establishes a cap on the amount of assistance that can be provided, which is to be determined by the Military Department, and requires Guard members to possess a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) or Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) to maintain eligibility.

The legislation also outlines the application process and eligibility requirements for Guard members, including maintaining good academic standing and satisfactory participation in the Oklahoma National Guard. It specifies that assistance is limited to a maximum of 120 credit hours for undergraduate programs and 40 credit hours for graduate programs. Furthermore, the bill mandates that any repayments due to non-compliance with eligibility requirements be deposited into the Oklahoma National Guard Educational Assistance Revolving Fund. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes provisions for the Military Department and the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to coordinate on the implementation of rules and regulations.