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OK HB4326
OK HB4326Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program; eligibility for students in the court-ordered custody of a private nonprofit child-placing agency or a federally recognized Indian tribe during certain time; certified teacher definition; effective date; emergency.
summary
Introduced
02/02/2026
02/02/2026
In Committee
02/03/2026
02/03/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An Act relating to the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program; amending 70 O.S. 2021, Section 2603, as last amended by Section 1, Chapter 485, O.S.L. 2025 (70 O.S. Supp. 2025, Section 2603), which relates to eligibility requirements; adding technology center school education to eligibility; updating references; expanding eligibility for students in the court-ordered custody of a private nonprofit child-placing agency or a federally recognized Indian tribe during certain time; defining who a parent is for a child of a certified teacher; amending 70 O.S. 2021, Section 2605, as last amended by Section 2, Chapter 485, O.S.L. 2025 (70 O.S. Supp. 2025, Section 2605), which relates to student agreements; updating references; expanding eligibility for students in the court-ordered custody of a private nonprofit child-placing agency or a federally recognized Indian tribe during certain time; removing income requirement for student in the custody of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, in the court-ordered custody of a private nonprofit child-placing agency or a federally recognized Indian tribe during certain time; requiring Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education verify standard or alternative certificate is in a classroom subject; expanding definition of certified teacher; clarifying computation of employment for purposes of eligibility; requiring standard or alternative certification be in a classroom subject as determined by the State Regents; clarifying effect of service as an emergency or provisionally certified teacher; providing an effective date; and declaring an emergency.
AI Summary
This bill modifies the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program, commonly known as Oklahoma's Promise, to expand eligibility and clarify definitions. Key changes include allowing students in the court-ordered custody of a private nonprofit child-placing agency or a federally recognized Indian tribe during certain grade levels to qualify for the program, even if they don't meet the standard income requirements. The bill also updates the definition of a "certified teacher" to include individuals with standard or alternative certification who teach a classroom subject, and clarifies that a certified teacher is considered a parent if they are the natural, adoptive, or permanent legal guardian of the student. Additionally, the bill adds technology center school education to the program's eligibility criteria and specifies that standard or alternative certification must be in a classroom subject as determined by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, while also clarifying that service as an emergency or provisionally certified teacher does not count towards employment requirements for eligibility.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Referred to Appropriations and Budget Education Subcommittee (on 02/03/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb4326&Session=2600 |
| BillText | https://www.oklegislature.gov/cf_pdf/2025-26%20INT/hB/HB4326%20INT.PDF |
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