Governor signs bills providing educational support to Oklahoma National Guard members

OKLAHOMA CITY – Pursuing a higher education will soon be more affordable for members of the Oklahoma National Guard following the signing of two bills by Gov. Kevin Stitt. Sen. Kim David, R-Porter, and Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, authored Senate Bills 1416 and 1418 to honor the service and sacrifice of these Oklahoma heroes while improving recruitment and retention in the guard.   

“There is no greater service one can do for their country than volunteering to serve in the military, especially our guardsmen who have full time careers outside of their military service. They’re always ready and willing to step up at a moment’s notice to help their local communities, in other states and around the world when crisis strikes,” David said. “We want to show these patriots our appreciation by making a higher education more affordable, helping them further their careers while also making Oklahoma more competitive with neighboring states that are already offering these educational incentives. I’m grateful for my legislative colleagues’ and Governor Stitt’s support of these important measures.”

SB 1416 codifies the requirement that all institutions of higher education in Oklahoma are to provide in-state status for current members of the Oklahoma National Guard.   

SB 1418, also known as the Oklahoma National Guard Educational Assistance Act, will cover resident tuition, mandatory fees, and academic service fees in Oklahoma colleges and universities for active guard members. Members can enroll in up to 18 credit hours per semester, subject to funding availability, with a maximum of 120 credit hours for an associate’s or baccalaureate degree and up to 40 credit hours for a graduate program. A revolving fund will be created for the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to administer the program.     

To be eligible, members must have at least one year remaining on their enlistment contract at the beginning of any semester they apply for assistance. They must sign a contract to complete their current service obligation and serve actively in good standing for not less than 24 months after completing their last semester. Members must maintain good academic standing, a 2.0 G.P.A. and satisfactory academic progress, along with satisfactory participation in the guard. Those who fail to comply with the requirements of the educational program will be required to repay a portion of the state assistance they received. Hardship waivers will be available for special circumstances.

“We’re blessed in Oklahoma to have so many brave men and women willing to voluntarily step up during natural disasters and overseas conflicts. They help restore order and peace during times of crisis, serving as a shining example of the Oklahoma Standard worldwide,” Miller said. “Helping these heroes further their education is just another way we can show our gratitude for their patriotism, dedication and selflessness.”

The Oklahoma National Guard is comprised of the Army (OKARNG) and Air (OKANG) National Guard components, which together currently have approximately 8,200 members. The guard can be called up for service to assist with state and national emergencies, natural disasters, and overseas deployments.

The two new laws will go into effect on July 1, 2022.  

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For more information, contact:  Sen. David: (405) 521-5590 or Kim.David@oksenate.gov