Oklahoma 2023 2023 Regular Session

Oklahoma Senate Bill SB322 Engrossed / Bill

Filed 03/13/2023

                     
 
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ENGROSSED 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 programs; 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 inst itution 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 post secondary agency. Eligible programs of 
training shall include comprehensive transition and postsecondary 
programs approved by the Unite d States Department of Education.    
 
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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 Educatio n 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. 
SECTION 2.  This act shall become effective July 1, 2023.   
 
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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. 
Passed the Senate the 9th day of March, 2023. 
 
 
  
 	Presiding Officer of the Senate 
 
 
Passed the House of Representatives the ____ day of __________, 
2023. 
 
 
  
 	Presiding Officer of the House 
 	of Representatives