Bill > SB1315

This bill prohibits students from countries designated by the U.S. Department of State as "countries of particular concern" from enrolling in Oklahoma's public higher education institutions, starting with the 2026-2027 academic year. The bill requires the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to create rules implementing this enrollment restriction. A "country of particular concern" is a designation typically used by the U.S. State Department to identify nations that have engaged in or tolerated systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom. The bill contains an emergency clause, which means it can take effect immediately upon passage, though the substantive provisions will not be implemented until July 1, 2026. By creating this restriction, the bill aims to prevent students from specific countries from accessing higher education in Oklahoma, potentially as a response to geopolitical tensions or human rights concerns. The Oklahoma State Regents will be responsible for developing specific guidelines for identifying and preventing enrollment of students from these designated countries.

Education

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb1315&Session=2600