This bill amends the eligibility requirements for the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program by removing the requirement for students to achieve a composite score of 22 or higher on the ACT test or an equivalent score on the SAT or CLT. The amended language specifies that students must still meet other criteria, such as being a resident of Oklahoma, having a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5, and completing curricular requirements for admission to higher education institutions. The removal of the ACT requirement aims to broaden access to the program for students who may not perform well on standardized tests but meet other academic and residency criteria.

The bill also includes provisions for students who are children of individuals killed or injured in the line of duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, allowing them to participate in the program without having to meet the standard eligibility requirements. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and includes an emergency clause for immediate implementation upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 70-2603