[Oasfaa] State Capitol Update

[Fair, Bryce]

Following are several issues and bills that are still alive and moving forward this legislative session:

*	Oklahoma's Promise - OHLAP supplemental funding request:  The request for $5.5 million is still pending at the Legislature.  We know that discussions are ongoing and remain optimistic the funding will be provided shortly.  Our supplemental request is one of several the Legislature is considering, including larger ones for common education and corrections.


Senate Bills:
*	SB 982 - Legislative intent to limit fees for concurrent enrollment - Passed Senate on March 1, 46-0; now headed to the House.  Current text: http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/2007-08bills/SB/sb92_engr.rtf

*	SB 820 - Providing dedicated funding in future years for Oklahoma's Promise - OHLAP [*this one is very significant*]:  Passed the Senate on March 7, 47-0; now headed to the House.  Current text: http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/2007-08bills/SB/sb820_engr.rtf


House Bills:
*	HB 1299 - Oklahoma's Promise-OHLAP - Homeschool student eligibility:  This bill passed the House floor on Tuesday by a 72-25 vote and now heads to the Senate for consideration.  Current text: http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/2007-08bills/HB/hb1299_engr.rtf

*	HB 1762 - Oklahoma's Promise-OHLAP - providing eligibility for students in school districts that serve students in adjacent states:  The bill passed on the House floor Tuesday by a 96-2 vote and now heads to the Senate.  Current text: http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/2007-08bills/HB/hb1762_engr.rtf

*	HB 1804 - undocumented students - includes repeal of 2003 law providing eligibility for resident tuition and state financial aid to undocumented students:  Passed the House floor on March 7 by an 88-9 vote.  Now heads to the Senate.  Current text: http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/2007-08bills/HB/hb1804_engr.rtf

*	HB 1925 - provides tuition awards of up to $2,000 for graduate/professional school for National Guard members; provides tuition awards for dependents of military service persons that die while actively serving in the armed forces.  Passed the House floor on Tuesday by a 98-0 vote.  Current text: http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/2007-08bills/HB/hb1925_engr.rtf

*	HB 2077 - Oklahoma State Employee Loan Assistance Act - authorizes state agencies to make certain loan payments for employees.  Passed the House floor on February 28 by a 94-3 vote.  Current text: http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/2007-08bills/HB/hb2077_engr.rtf

*	HB 2103 - 4-Year Guaranteed Tuition Rate  - Passed House floor on Tuesday by a vote of 95-5; now heads to the Senate.  Current text: http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/2007-08bills/HB/HB2103_hflr.rtf


To date, neither of the bills that would increase the income limit for Oklahoma's Promise-OHLAP from $50,000 to $75,000 have passed out of committee.  At this point it looks unlikely that the income limit will be increased this session.

Let me know if you have questions on any of the bills.
Bryce


Bryce Fair 
Assoc. Vice Chancellor for Scholarships & Grants 
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education 
Phone:  (405) 225-9162 
Fax:  (405) 225-9230 
E-mail:  bfair at osrhe.edu 

Mailing Address: 
P.O. Box 108850 
Oklahoma City, OK  73101-8850 

Street Address: 
655 Research Parkway, Suite 200 
Oklahoma City, OK  73104