This bill amends the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program by expanding eligibility to include children of certified classroom teachers who graduated during the 2024-2025 school year. It specifies that these students will not be considered to be in financial need if their household income is equal to or greater than seven hundred percent (700%) of the federal poverty level. Additionally, the bill requires that students eligible under this provision must apply for participation in the program by July 1, 2026, and outlines criteria for determining eligibility based on the employment status of the parents. The bill also mandates that every public school district designate a contact person to assist with the program and establishes requirements for students to maintain compliance with the program's terms.

Furthermore, the bill introduces an exception for twelfth-grade students facing hardship circumstances, allowing them to apply for assistance, while excluding those who have officially graduated, are nineteen years of age or older and educated by other means, or are twenty-one years of age or older. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education are tasked with creating rules to implement these new provisions. An emergency clause is included, indicating the need for immediate implementation to support students in need effectively.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 70-2605