Req. No. 1186 Page 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 STATE OF OKLAHOMA 1st Session of the 59th Legislature (2023) SENATE BILL 322 By: Seifried AS INTRODUCED An Act relating to higher education; amendi ng 70 O.S. 2021, Section 626.7, which relates to the Oklahoma Higher Education Tuition Aid Act; providing eligibility for certain p rograms; updating statutory language; providing an effective date; and declaring an emergency. BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA: SECTION 1. AMENDATORY 70 O.S. 2021, Section 626.7, is amended to read as follows: Section 626.7. A college tuition aid grant may be awarded annually to each eligible, qualified full -time or part-time undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in a curriculum leading to a degree or certificate in an institution of collegiate grade or postsecondary institution providing a program of training to prepare students for employment in a recognized occupation in Oklahoma approved or accredited by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education or appropriate postsecondar y agency. Eligible programs of training shall include comprehensive transition and postsecondary programs approved by the Unite d States Department of Education. Req. No. 1186 Page 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 College tuition aid grants shall be awarded in accordance with the following: 1. Eligibility. Each full -time or part-time resident student will shall be eligible to receive a grant in an amount as provided in paragraph 2 of this section. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education shall de termine by rules and regu lations the maximum number of semesters a student may be eligible for grants. No student shall be eligible for grants unless the student maintains such minimum standards of academic performance as are req uired by the institution in which the student is en rolled. In the event a student for any reason ceases to continue to be enrolled during the course of an academic year, the student shall cease to be eligible for tuition aid. 2. Amount of grant. The amou nt of tuition aid grant to any student under this a ct for any semester shall represent a percentage not greater than seventy -five percent (75%) of the tuition and enrollment fees normally charged to residents of the State of Oklahoma this state by the institution of attendance. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education shall determine by rules the annual maximum award amount based on an annual assessment of funds availability. Financial assistance received under this act will shall be considered as part of a student’s financial aid package. SECTION 2. This act shall become effective July 1, 2023. Req. No. 1186 Page 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 SECTION 3. It being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, hea lth, or safety, an emergency is he reby declared to exist, by reason whereof thi s act shall take effect and be in full force from and after its passage and approval. 59-1-1186 EB 1/13/2023 9:31:25 AM