Legislation

Introduced in the 2023 session, but not passed, this bill would provide individuals with intellectual disabilities attending a comprehensive transition program to receive waiver of tuition if the student is a veteran or other military personnel. The bill amends Section 54.001 Education to include the federal definition of a comprehensive transition and postsecondary program. It amends Sec 54.341 to include students who are admitted to attend or attend a comprehensive transition and postsecondary program for students with intellectual disabilities in Texas’ existing veterans tuition waiver.

This legislation, introduced in 2023 but not passed, requires Higher Education Coordinating Commission to work with Portland State University and community colleges to establish post-secondary program for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

This bill, introduced in 2023 but not passed, would have established the Higher Education Opportunities for Students with Disabilities act. The bill, introduced in both the House and Senate in spring 2023, would provide inclusive educational opportunities for a student with disability in order to improve academic achievement, employment, independent living skills, and independent learning. The bill outlines the programs guidelines and requirements for universities and college to follow, and identifies student qualifications for attendance.

Introduced in 2023, a portion of this Act would have amended 70 O.S. 2021, Section 626.7, allowing opportunities for tuition aid grants to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities enrolled in a postsecondary education program. While the bill passed, the portion specific to students with intellectual disability was removed before the final version was passed.

This bill was signed on 4/27/23. Section 1, Subpart 12 encompasses the requirements and procedures of a 5-year pilot of a state-funded scholarship for IPSE students. In the fiscal budget year 2024, $955,830 has been allocated to fund these grants for the first year. The funds will cover tuition, and may cover fees, for IPSE students. Requirements for eligibility of both the IPSE student and the programs are detailed in the bill.

Approved by the Governor on 5/24/23, this bill allows for the creation of the Inclusive Higher Education Technical Assistance Center, as well as grant establishments.

Introduced in 2023, but not passed, a portion of this legislation relates to the modification Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Trust Fund, directing the use of the Funds to enact the Oklahoma’s Promise Inclusive Act, and creating the Oklahoma’s Promise Inclusive Program along with the policies and purposes of the program.

Passed in 2022, this bill amends the State School Aid Act to provide supplemental appropriations for fiscal year (FY) 2022-23. Specifically, the bill adds $12.2 million in General Fund (GF/GP) money, for a gross supplemental appropriation of $12.2 million. In addition to K-12 funding additions, this bill creates a new scholarship program for high school graduates or those who achieve the high school equivalency certificate and qualify under FAFSA. Scholarship applicants must be Michigan residents for at least one year, be a full-time student, and maintain satisfactory academic progress.

This legislation, enacted in July 2022, includes provisions that remove barriers precluding persons with intellectual disabilties (ID) and autism from participating in state colleges and universities.

This bill, passed in 2022, establishes scholarships (College Transition Program Scholarship) for students with intellectual disability (ID) attending a CTP inclusive postsecondary program. In-state students may receive up to $5,000/semester in scholarship money, regardless of financial need. Similar to prior years, the state budget also includes needs-based funds for students with ID.