HB2635 Summary

• Directs the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to establish a public health and safety professional incentive program beginning in the 2014-2025 school year for graduates who commit to 5+ years of service in eligible professions.

• Eligible professions include law enforcement officers, firefighters, nurses, and members of the Oklahoma National Guard serving municipal, county, state, or political subdivision entities within Oklahoma.

• Eligibility requires applicants to be U.S. citizens/lawfully present residents of Oklahoma who complete required coursework, enroll in an associate or bachelor degree program within the state system, and begin professional service within 25 months of graduation.

• Incentive payments are capped at the lesser of 20% of total student loans incurred or 20% of the average annual cost of four years of undergraduate resident tuition and fees at state institutions.

• Requires execution of contracts with participants; authorizes the Chancellor to reduce payments if insufficient funds are available and to contract with other entities for program administration; effective July 1, 2014.