Senate Bill No. 701 establishes a five-year moratorium on various restrictions related to higher education courses and programs in Oklahoma. The bill specifically targets limitations on institutions such as Northern Oklahoma College, Connors State College, and Oklahoma State University, among others, which currently restrict their offerings to certain levels of courses or programs. The moratorium aims to allow these institutions to expand their educational offerings and better meet workforce needs. Additionally, the State Regents for Higher Education are granted the authority to approve "functional exceptions," which would enable institutions to provide courses or degree programs outside their designated missions.

The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes a declaration of emergency, allowing it to be enacted immediately upon passage and approval. This legislative action is intended to enhance access to higher education and address unmet workforce demands by removing existing geographical and programmatic restrictions within the State System of Higher Education.

Statutes affected:
Amended And Engrossed: 70-4665
Enrolled (final version): 70-4665