OK
Oklahoma Senate Bill SB55

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

Oklahoma Senate Bill SB55

Introduced
2/6/23  

Caption

Oklahoma National Guard Educational Assistance Act; modifying eligibility; removing repayment provisions. Effective date. Emergency.

Impact

The proposed changes will expand access to educational resources for eligible Guard members, allowing them to pursue both undergraduate and graduate degrees without the previously mandated repayment in specific circumstances. This financial reform is significant for members seeking higher education while fulfilling their military obligations, potentially improving retention and attracting more individuals to serve in the National Guard. The assistance will cover tuition and mandatory fees, contributing to a more educated and capable force.

Summary

Senate Bill 55, known as the Oklahoma National Guard Educational Assistance Act, seeks to enhance educational support for members of the Oklahoma National Guard. The bill introduces modifications to the existing educational assistance program, specifically increasing the maximum number of credit hours eligible for assistance in graduate programs and modifying eligibility criteria. Notably, it removes requirements for repayment of assistance under certain conditions, thereby easing the financial burden on service members who face hardships.

Contention

Despite the positive intentions behind SB55, there may be points of contention regarding the removal of repayment obligations. Critics may argue that this could lead to financial strains on the educational assistance fund if too many members request waivers or if the funding is not carefully managed. Additionally, modifying eligibility criteria could prompt discussions about ensuring equitable access to the program among all eligible members and the long-term sustainability of the assistance it provides.

Companion Bills

OK SB55

Carry Over Oklahoma National Guard Educational Assistance Act; modifying eligibility; removing repayment provisions. Effective date. Emergency.

Previously Filed As

OK SB55

Oklahoma National Guard Educational Assistance Act; modifying eligibility; removing repayment provisions. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB2382

Militia; modifying and updating provisions of the Oklahoma Military Code; effective date.

OK HB2772

Higher education; Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Act; modifying eligibility requirements for the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program; effective date.

OK SB623

Motor vehicles; modifying references to Service Oklahoma. 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 HB1015

Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program; program eligibility; modifying minimum ACT score for certain students; effective date.

OK SB529

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

OK HB2414

Schools; charter schools; modifying provisions of the Oklahoma Charter Schools Act to provide transparency and accountability; effective date; emergency.

OK SB822

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

OK SB832

The Oklahoma Self-Defense Act; modifying certain required display; removing certain dismissal process; modifying certain unlawful act. Effective date.

Similar Bills

OK HB2687

Public retirement systems; Law Enforcement Retirement System; election to participate; members; transfer of contributions and records; credit; effective dates; emergency.

OK HB2095

Criminal procedure; modifying definition to include certain crime; effective date.

OK HB1563

Criminal procedure; modifying certain definition to include specific crime; effective date.

OK SB461

Crimes and punishments; removing certain references related to restricted bullets and body armor. Effective date.

OK SB86

Higher education; allowing the Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges to issue certain obligations.

OK SB86

Higher education; allowing the Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges to issue certain obligations.

OK SB1377

Higher education; allowing the Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges to issue certain obligations. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB3668

Medicaid fraud; statute of limitations; criminal procedure; adult sexual abuse; Oklahoma Racketeer-Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act; definition; Medicaid fraud; penalty; dollar threshold; felony and misdemeanor; fine and imprisonment; effective date.