Bill > HB2273

This bill establishes the Oklahoma Department of Transportation Educational Assistance Act, creating a workforce development grant program designed to help address staffing needs within the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT). The program will provide financial assistance to eligible students who are Oklahoma residents, at least 18 years old, and enrolled in an Oklahoma educational institution, with the requirement that recipients work for ODOT in an approved profession for five years after obtaining their degree. Grant recipients can receive funding equivalent to resident tuition and fees, not exceeding 18 credit hours per semester, with a maximum of 120 undergraduate credit hours or the required hours for a graduate degree. To maintain eligibility, students must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA, make satisfactory academic progress, and continue meeting the program's requirements. If students fail to complete their degree or work for ODOT for the required five years, they may be required to repay the grants, though hardship waivers are possible. The program can accept public and private funding, and a new revolving fund will be created to manage the financial resources. The Oklahoma Transportation Commission will develop specific rules for implementing the program, which is set to become effective on July 1, 2025, with an emergency clause allowing immediate implementation upon passage.

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb2273&Session=2600