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SENATE FLOOR VERSION
February 14, 2023
SENATE BILL NO. 322 By: Seifried of the Senate
and
McBride of the House
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 High er
Education or appropriate postsecondar y agency. Eligible programs of
training shall include comprehensive transition and postsecondary
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programs approved by the Unite d States Department of Education.
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 regulations 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 enrolled.
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 act 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 packa ge.
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SECTION 2. This act shall become effective July 1, 2023.
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 whereo f this act shall take effect and
be in full force from and after its passage and approval.
COMMITTEE REPORT BY: COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION
February 14, 2023 - DO PASS