SB 233 Summary

• Establishes the "Teacher Shortage Reduction Act" to address teacher shortages through tuition waiver incentives for prospective educators in Oklahoma's public schools.

• Provides juniors and seniors who declare intent to pursue accredited teacher education programs and commit to teaching 3 years within 10 years of graduation with tuition waivers covering up to 60 credit hours, subject to funding availability.

• Requires declaration of teaching intent to be submitted to Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education on a prescribed form; individuals who fail to comply must repay the tuition waiver amount, though the State Regents may establish repayment schedules or grant hardship waivers.

• Updates concurrent enrollment provisions by changing references from "college or university" to "institution of higher education" and maintains existing tuition waivers for high school seniors (18 credit hours) and juniors (9 credit hours).

• Effective July 1, 2025, with emergency provisions allowing immediate effect upon passage and approval.