Higher education; National Guard; Oklahoma National Guard School Fees Grant; revolving fund; effective date.
Impact
The implementation of HB3098 is expected to positively affect the educational opportunities available to members of the National Guard, making higher education more accessible financially. By establishing a revolving fund to sustain the grant program, the bill ensures that funds can continually support eligible Guard members while laying the groundwork for a structured financial support system within Oklahoma's higher education landscape.
Summary
House Bill 3098 creates the Oklahoma National Guard School Fees Grant, designed to provide financial assistance to eligible members of the Oklahoma National Guard who are pursuing higher education. This grant, administered by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, will award $100 per credit hour each semester to qualifying students. The bill outlines the application process for these grants, contingent upon the availability of funds, and requires institutions to send applications and documentation to the State Regents by specific deadlines each semester.
Contention
Key points of discussion regarding HB3098 include the prioritization of continuing eligible students over first-time applicants when funding is limited. Critics may express concerns about the long-term funding viability of the revolving fund amidst budget constraints, which could affect future generations of Guard members. Overall, the bill aims to enhance educational support while navigating potential financial challenges inherent in grant systems.
Oklahoma National Guard Educational Assistance Act; providing for review of certain fees; authorizing establishment of certain cap; modifying retention eligibility. Effective date. Emergency.
Oklahoma National Guard Educational Assistance Act; providing for review of certain fees; authorizing establishment of certain cap; modifying retention eligibility; emergency.
Agriculture; Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry; National School Lunch Act; School Lunch Workshop Revolving Fund; funds; State Board of Education; effective date.
Classification of felony offenses; creating the Oklahoma Crime Reclassification Act of 2024; requiring persons who commit criminal offenses to be classified in accordance with certain structure; codification; effective date.