HB2081 Summary

• Directs the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to establish a comprehensive transition and postsecondary program for students with intellectual disabilities at institutions within The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education.

• Program must be offered as a degree, certificate, or nondegree program designed to prepare students with intellectual disabilities for gainful employment through academic, career, technical, and independent living instruction.

• Requires students to participate on at least a half-time basis through activities including regular enrollment in credit-bearing courses, auditing courses, noncredit-bearing courses, or internships and work-based training with nondisabled students and individuals.

• Allows eligible students with intellectual disabilities to receive Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, and Work Study jobs, and to enroll without meeting regular admission and attendance requirements.

• Defines "student with an intellectual disability" as one with mental retardation or cognitive impairment with significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior, who is currently or was formerly eligible for special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

• Takes effect November 1, 2015.