An Act
ENROLLED SENATE
BILL NO. 1624 By: Seifried of the Senate
and
Vancuren and Deck of the
House
An Act relating to higher education; amending 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; updating statutory reference; providing an
effective date; and declaring an emergency .
SUBJECT: Higher education
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 cur riculum 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 S tate Regents for Higher
Education or appropriate postsecondary agency . Eligible programs of
training shall include comprehensive transition and postsecondary
programs approved by the United States Department of Education.
College tuition aid grants shall be awarded in accordance with the
following:
ENR. S. B. NO. 1624 Page 2
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 determine 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 required 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 .; and
2. Amount of grant. The amount of tui tion aid grant to any
student under this act the Oklahoma Higher Education Tuition Aid 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 the Oklahoma Higher
Education Tuition Aid Act will shall be considered as part of a
student’s financial aid package.
SECTION 2. This act shall become effective July 1, 2024.
SECTION 3. It being immediately neces sary for the preservation
of the public peace, health, or safety, an emergency is hereby
declared to exist, by reason whereof this act shall take effect and
be in full force from and after its passage and approval.
ENR. S. B. NO. 1624 Page 3
Passed the Senate the 4th day of March, 2024.
Presiding Officer of the Senate
Passed the House of Representatives the 24th day of April, 2024.
Presiding Officer of the House
of Representatives
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
Received by the Office of the Governor this _______ _____________
day of _________________ __, 20_______, at _______ o'clock _______ M.
By: _________________________________
Approved by the Governor of the State of Oklahoma this _______ __
day of _________________ __, 20_______, at _______ o'clock _______ M.
_________________________________
Governor of the State of Oklahoma
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE
Received by the Office of the Secretary of State this _______ ___
day of _________________ _, 20 _______, at _______ o'clock _______ M.
By: ____________________________ _____