HB 2273 Summary

• Creates the Oklahoma Department of Transportation Educational Assistance Program to provide grants covering resident tuition, mandatory fees, and academic service fees (up to 18 credit hours per semester) to eligible students who commit to working for ODOT for 5 years after earning an eligible degree

• Establishes eligibility requirements including being at least 18 years old, having a high school diploma or GED, being an Oklahoma resident, and enrolling in an Oklahoma institution of higher education

• Limits undergraduate assistance to 120 total credit hours and graduate assistance to hours required for a master's degree; prioritizes funding undergraduate students before graduate students

• Requires students to maintain good academic standing with a minimum 2.0 GPA and permits the Oklahoma Transportation Commission to require full repayment of grants if students fail to obtain an eligible degree or complete the 5-year employment commitment, with hardship waivers available

• Creates the Oklahoma Department of Transportation Educational Assistance Revolving Fund to receive and manage all program funding from public and private sources, state highway program funds, and student repayments; takes effect July 1, 2025