Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

Oklahoma House Bill HB4020

Introduced

2/5/24

Refer

2/6/24

Caption

Schools; Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Grant Act; providing additional grant award for eligible juniors and seniors subject to the availability of funds; effective date; emergency.

Impact

The bill seeks to amend existing state laws governing financial aid by enabling additional disbursement of funds to qualifying students. By altering eligibility requirements to include specific provisions for juniors and seniors, HB4020 potentially enhances access to funding for a segment of the student population that often faces greater financial challenges as they near graduation. This adjustment may lead to increased enrollment and retention rates among upperclassmen, allowing more students to finish their degrees. Furthermore, the bill's effective date is set for July 1, 2024, which would align with the start of a new academic year, allowing for a seamless transition into the updated provisions.

Summary

House Bill 4020 addresses financial assistance for students enrolled in higher education institutions in Oklahoma. Specifically, it amends the Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Grant Act to provide additional grant awards for eligible juniors and seniors, contingent upon the availability of funds. This legislation aims to ease the financial burden on higher education students by supplementing existing grants with additional support based on their academic standing and financial need. The proposed changes also highlight the existence of a trust fund dedicated to these grants, further ensuring that students have access to crucial financial resources during their education.

Contention

While the bill appears beneficial for enhancing educational opportunities, there could be contention surrounding its funding sources and the equitable distribution of grants. Given that the effectiveness of grant awards is tied to the availability of funds in the Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Grant Trust Fund, there may be concerns regarding budget allocations and whether sufficient resources will be consistently available. Additionally, discussions may arise about the implications of prioritizing upperclassmen over incoming freshmen, raising questions about fairness and access to educational resources. As debates continue, stakeholders may also scrutinize how the new policy aligns with broader educational goals in Oklahoma.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK SB529

Teachers; creating the Oklahoma Teacher Corps Program; providing eligibility. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB654

Postsecondary education; creating the Captain Steven L. Farley Goldstar Families Act; providing eligibility for certain tuition waivers. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB357

Schools; allowing the Oklahoma School for the Blind and the Oklahoma School for the Deaf to receive redbud school grants. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB2865

Higher education; tuition aid grants; intellectual and developmental disabilities; effective date.

OK SB27

Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program; providing certain qualifying score; providing eligibility for students who complete certain core curriculum. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB822

Students; creating the Oklahoma Education Freedom Act; providing eligibility for Oklahoma Education Freedom Accounts. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB1342

Scholarship programs; the Oklahoma Future Teacher Scholarship and Employment Incentive Program; providing program eligibility to home school students; effective date.

OK HB2827

Schools; creating a grant program subject to the availability of funds to employ school nurses, school counselors, and mental health professionals; effective date; emergency.

OK SB329

Schools; making appropriation; creating the Rewarding Excellent Educators Grant Program; providing eligibility. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB943

Students; creating the Oklahoma Parent Empowerment Act for Kids; providing eligibility for OK PEAK accounts. Effective date. Emergency.