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HB 3710

Education; Rising Scholars Award Program; eligibility; cohort-based award schedules; effective date.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Chad Caldwell and 1 co-sponsor

Establishes the Rising Scholars Award Program to provide cohort-based scholarships for eligible students, with districts administering cohorts and state funding.

Approved by Governor 05/11/2026
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Bill Summary · HB 3710

Summary: HB 3710 (Oklahoma) — Rising Scholars Award Program

Purpose and intent

HB 3710 aims to establish and govern the Rising Scholars Award Program within the state’s education policy framework. The bill focuses on creating a cohort-based, targeted scholarship/award system designed to support eligible students who demonstrate rising academic potential and commitment. The legislation outlines eligibility criteria, how awards are distributed over time (cohort-based schedules), and the program’s effective date.

Key provisions and changes

  • Program creation: Establishes the Rising Scholars Award Program within the public education policy framework.
  • Eligibility: Defines which students qualify for the Rising Scholars Award. (Note: the specific eligibility criteria are not included in the provided excerpts; the bill would specify student characteristics such as academic achievement, enrollment status, or other qualifying factors.)
  • Cohort-based award schedules: Awards are distributed on a cohort-based schedule, meaning students entering the program in a given year would follow a defined sequence or timeline for award eligibility and disbursement.
  • Effective date: The bill specifies when the program would take effect, subject to passage and any administrative rulemaking. The formal amendments indicate adjustments to the bill’s timeline, with earlier language referencing a July effective date that was changed to November in the committee amendments. The final effective date would be clarified in the enrolled bill as adopted.
  • Administrative and fiscal considerations: The bill went through appropriations/subcommittee review, indicating anticipated fiscal implications and the need for budget alignment with the program’s funding requirements.

Who is affected

  • Eligible students: Students who meet the defined Rising Scholars eligibility criteria (as established by the bill) would be eligible to receive awards.
  • School districts and public education agencies: Responsible for implementing the program locally, managing cohorts, tracking eligibility, and distributing awards.
  • State education authorities: Oversee program administration, reporting, compliance, and alignment with education policy.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Legislative progress: The bill has advanced through multiple committees in both chambers and has a Senate Education Committee report indicating DO PASS with no nays. Action history shows:
    • Referred and amended in House committees (Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee; Education Subcommittee).
    • Senate Education Committee reported DO PASS.
    • Passed in the Senate and moved to the House for concurrence, then to final enrolled status.
  • Amendments: Committee amendments modified the initial text (notably changing the effective date language from July to November and removing a section, per the committee amendment description). The title and provisions were amended to conform.
  • Effective date and implementation: The exact date would be set in the enrolled bill; the amendments indicate November as a replacement for a prior July date, with the possibility of later adjustments depending on final legislative action.

Potential impact (high level)

  • Provides targeted financial or merit-based support to students deemed “Rising Scholars,” potentially improving college access, persistence, or workforce readiness for participants.
  • Requires school districts to implement cohort management, eligibility verification, and reporting sufficient for program oversight.
  • Necessitates state budgeting to fund awards and administrative costs, aligning with the Appropriations process.

If you would like, I can provide a line-by-line breakdown of the eligible student criteria and the anticipated funding level once the enrolled bill text is available.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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