HB 1848 Summary

• Amends the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program to exempt students in permanent custody of the Department of Human Services from financial eligibility requirements that normally cap parental income at $50,000-$100,000 annually.

• Expands eligibility for adopted students by creating higher income thresholds: $150,000 for those adopted between birth and age 12, and $200,000 for those adopted between ages 13-17.

• Requires schools to identify and notify the State Regents of students ages 13-15 in Department of Human Services custody, and those placed in custody after completing 10th grade or reaching age 16.

• Students in Department of Human Services custody at program enrollment or after 10th grade completion are automatically enrolled and do not need to execute traditional program agreements.

• Effective date is July 1, 2015, with emergency clause allowing immediate effect upon passage and approval.