The bill amends the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program by updating eligibility requirements and definitions, specifically changing the term "certified classroom teacher" to "teacher" for the purpose of determining eligibility for students who are children of teachers. It clarifies financial need criteria, adjusting income thresholds based on the number of dependent children, and establishes that students qualifying under specific military service or adoption criteria will not need to meet standard eligibility requirements. Additionally, the bill mandates that all public and private schools inform students and their guardians about the program, ensuring awareness among students in grades five through eleven, and requires schools to designate contact persons to assist with program navigation.

Moreover, the bill revises financial qualification criteria, stating that a student's eligibility will not be based on their parents' income if it exceeds certain thresholds—$150,000 for students adopted between birth and twelve years, and $200,000 for those adopted between thirteen and seventeen years. It also specifies that students in the custody of the Department of Human Services will not be considered in financial need if their income exceeds $60,000. The bill further stipulates that children of teachers will not be deemed in financial need if their parents' income is at least 700% of the federal poverty level. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education will oversee employment verification and record maintenance, with the act set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and includes an emergency clause for immediate implementation upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 70-2603, 70-2605