HB 1733 Summary

• Creates the Oklahoma Community College Scholarship Act to provide scholarships covering 80% of tuition and mandatory fees at eligible two-year and four-year postsecondary institutions in Oklahoma for state residents.

• Establishes eligibility requirements including full-time enrollment, 2.0 minimum GPA, participation in mentoring and community service programs, completion of FAFSA, and continuous enrollment (fall and spring semesters).

• Creates the Oklahoma Community College Scholarship Trust Fund administered by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, funded by 20% of net proceeds from the Oklahoma Education Lottery Trust Fund.

• Limits scholarship eligibility to 2.5 years of attendance and allows students with approved medical or personal leaves of absence (not exceeding 6 months total) to maintain eligibility.

• Amends the Oklahoma Education Lottery Act to redirect 20% of lottery proceeds to the scholarship trust fund, reducing higher education funding from 45% to 25%; effective date July 1, 2015.