House Bill No. 2854, introduced by Hasenbeck, establishes a five-year moratorium on specific restrictions related to higher education courses and programs in Oklahoma. The bill aims to lift limitations on various institutions, including Northern Oklahoma College, Connors State College, and Oklahoma State University, among others, allowing them to offer a broader range of courses and degree programs. This includes removing restrictions on lower and upper division classes, as well as prohibitions against duplicating programs offered by other colleges. The State Regents for Higher Education are granted the authority to approve "functional exceptions," which would enable institutions to expand their offerings to address workforce needs.

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 change is intended to enhance educational opportunities and better align higher education offerings with the demands of the workforce in Oklahoma.