Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

Oklahoma House Bill HB3939

Introduced

2/5/24

Refer

2/6/24

Refer

2/6/24

Caption

Education; Apprentice Scholarship Program Revolving Fund; Oklahoma State Board of Career and Technology Education; grants; effective date.

Impact

By creating this fund, the bill aims to enhance access to vocational training for high school graduates, which is vital for equipping future workers with the necessary skills. The initiative seeks to encourage students to enter technical fields and take advantage of apprenticeship opportunities, thereby supporting local industries that may face a skill deficit. This legislative change aligns with broader goals of promoting workforce development and preparing individuals for high-demand professions within the state.

Summary

House Bill 3939 establishes the Apprentice Scholarship Program Revolving Fund within the Oklahoma State Treasury. The primary objective of this fund is to support the tuition and fees for high school graduates enrolling in federally approved apprenticeship programs focused on technical trades. The bill designates the Oklahoma State Board of Career and Technology Education as the responsible authority for managing the fund and awarding grants derived from it, contingent upon the availability of funds.

Contention

While the bill is generally supported for its potential to increase educational opportunities and job preparedness, there may be concerns regarding the adequacy of funds and the criteria established for grant allocation. Questions might arise about the selection process for awarding grants to apprenticeship programs and how it could impact different regions or demographics across Oklahoma. As with many funding initiatives, ensuring a fair and equitable distribution of resources will be crucial to the program's success.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK SB908

Oklahoma Accountancy Act; creating revolving fund; authorizing student scholarship and grant program. Effective date.

OK HB2718

Higher education; Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Trust Fund; Oklahoma Promise Opportunity Scholarship Act; effective date.

OK HB2796

Oklahoma Accountancy Act; creating revolving fund; authorizing student scholarship and grant program; effective date.

OK HB2097

Schools; Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education; authorizing technology center school district board of education to donate certain equipment; effective date.

OK SB1129

State Board of Career and Technology Education; making an appropriation. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB1128

State Board of Career and Technology Education; making an appropriation. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB2438

State government; Oklahoma Pregnant Pigs Pilot Program Act of 2023; revolving fund; grants; effective date.

OK HB2555

Scholarships; creating the Oklahoma Critical Industries Scholarship Program; effective date; emergency.

OK HB1840

Agriculture; Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry; National School Lunch Act; School Lunch Workshop Revolving Fund; funds; State Board of Education; effective date.

OK SB237

Boards of education; modifying term of office of school district and technology center school district board of education members. Effective date. Emergency.