Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1388

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/8/22

Caption

Higher education; removing language directing certain tuition and fee rates to be below certain levels. Effective date. Emergency.

Impact

The removal of the tuition restrictions may allow schools more flexibility to adjust their tuition rates based on their funding needs and operational costs. However, this change could lead to increased tuition for students, as institutions might raise their rates to cover financial deficits or invest in other improvements. The bill also requires annual reporting to various state officials about tuition and fee structures, ensuring some level of oversight remains even with increased institutional autonomy.

Summary

Senate Bill 1388 amends several sections of the Oklahoma statutes concerning the regulation of tuition and fees by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. The bill notably removes existing language that restricts certain institutions from charging tuition and fees that exceed specified average amounts. This adjustment aims to provide institutions greater autonomy in setting their tuition rates, potentially leading to variances in tuition costs across different institutions within the state system.

Contention

Critics of SB1388 may argue that by allowing institutions to set higher tuition rates, the bill could adversely affect low-income students and create barriers to access for higher education. The fear is that the deregulation of tuition heights could lead to a more costly higher education system, which might deter potential students from pursuing college altogether. Supporters advocate that the changes are necessary for maintaining financial viability of the institutions and enabling them to offer a wider array of educational services.