Bill > HB2257

This bill modifies the Oklahoma National Guard Educational Assistance Act to enhance and clarify educational support for National Guard members. The bill expands the types of fees that can be covered, including program fees and academic service fees, and requires joint review and approval of these fees by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and the Military Department. The legislation authorizes the Military Department to establish a cap on program participation and introduces a new eligibility requirement that participants must possess a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) or Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) after their first semester. The bill maintains existing provisions that provide tuition and fee assistance for eligible Guard members pursuing undergraduate (up to 120 credit hours) and graduate (up to 40 credit hours) degrees, with continued eligibility contingent upon maintaining academic standards, good standing in the National Guard, and meeting specific participation requirements. If a participant fails to meet these requirements, they may be required to repay a proportional amount of the assistance received. The bill also mandates that the State Regents and Military Department collaborate on developing compatible rules and regulations for the program, with an effective date of July 1, 2025.

Budget and Finance, Education

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb2257&Session=2500