Bill > HB2854

This bill modifies higher education policies for several institutions within the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education, primarily focusing on expanding course and degree program offerings starting in the 2026-2027 academic year. The legislation encourages the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to allow institutions to potentially change their functions and degree programs, especially to address unmet workforce needs. Specifically, the bill allows branches of Northern Oklahoma College in Ponca City, Connors State College in Muskogee, Oklahoma State University-Tulsa, Langston University in Tulsa, and Northeastern State University in Broken Arrow to offer a broader range of courses and degree programs. This means these institutions can begin offering lower and upper division courses and programs where previously they were restricted to only certain levels of coursework. The bill also introduces flexibility for course duplication between institutions, enabling more educational options for students. Additionally, the bill updates some statutory language and references, and is set to become effective on November 1, 2025. The underlying intent is to provide more educational opportunities and flexibility within Oklahoma's higher education system.

Education

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb2854&Session=2600