Bill > HB2954

This bill modifies the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program by updating language related to teacher eligibility and financial need requirements. Specifically, the bill changes the term "certified classroom teacher" to simply "teacher" and updates the definition of who qualifies as a teacher for program purposes. The new definition includes any person defined as a teacher in Section 1-116 of Oklahoma statutes who has taught in the state for at least ten years, excluding administrators like superintendents and principals. The bill also adjusts income thresholds for students whose parents are teachers, allowing students to qualify if their household income is below 700% of the federal poverty level. Additionally, the bill makes minor technical corrections to language around parent income calculations, replacing "parent(s)" with "parents" throughout the text. The changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and the bill includes an emergency clause to ensure immediate implementation. The overall goal appears to be expanding access to the higher education assistance program for children of teachers while maintaining financial need standards.

Budget and Finance

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb2954&Session=2600