The "Higher Education Workforce Development and Fair Admission Act" aims to reform the admissions process for state educational institutions in Oklahoma by prohibiting inquiries about a prospective student's criminal history on initial application forms. However, institutions may inquire about criminal convictions related to specific sex-related offenses as defined by Oklahoma law. If a prospective student is denied admission based on such a conviction, they must be notified and given the opportunity to appeal the decision. Additionally, after acceptance, institutions can inquire about a student's criminal history for purposes such as offering counseling and determining participation in campus life, while considering various factors like the nature of the offense and evidence of rehabilitation.

The bill also stipulates that institutions cannot deny admission to academic programs requiring occupational licenses or teaching certificates solely based on criminal conviction history. Instead, they must provide counseling to help students understand the implications of their criminal history on their career prospects. Furthermore, institutions may consider criminal history if disclosed through specific national application services. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and includes provisions for emergency enactment to ensure its immediate implementation upon passage.