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SENATE FLOOR VERSION
February 28, 2023
AS AMENDED
SENATE BILL NO. 167 By: Haste
An Act relating to higher education; providing
legislative findings ; amending 70 O.S. 2021, Section
3213.1, which relates to the University Center at
Ponca City; removing language granting Northern
Oklahoma College certain exclusive authority;
updating reference; amending 70 O.S. 2021, Section
3405.1, which relates to availability of courses in
Muskogee; allowing certain institution to offer lower
division classes; amending 70 O.S. 2021, Section
4662, which relates to Oklahoma State University-
Tulsa; allowing the institution to offer certain
lower division courses ; amending 70 O.S. 2021,
Section 4667, which relates to the Langston
University Branch in Tulsa; updating statutory
reference; allowing the institution to offer certain
lower division courses; removing language prohi biting
Oklahoma State Univer sity-Tulsa from duplicating
certain programs offered by the Langston University
Branch in Tulsa; amending 70 O.S. 2021, Section 4668,
which relates to the Northeastern State University
branch in Broken Arrow; allowing the institution to
offer certain lower division courses; removing
language prohibiting Oklahoma State Univer sity-Tulsa
from duplicating certain programs offered by the
Northeastern State University branch in Broken Arrow;
clarifying references; amending 70 O.S. 2021, Section
4669, which relates to Rogers State University;
removing language directing the institution to
contract specifically with certain institution;
repealing 70 O.S. 2021, Section 4665, which relates
to prohibiting duplication of certain courses offered
by Tulsa Community C ollege; updating statutory
language; providing for noncodification; providing an
effective date; and declarin g an emergency.
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OK LAHOMA:
SECTION 1. NEW LAW A new section of law not to be
codified in the Oklahoma Statutes reads as follows:
The Legislature finds that barriers restricting the offering of
courses at some institutions of higher education within Th e Oklahoma
State System of Higher Education are no longer necessary; therefore,
it is recommended tha t the State Regents for Higher Education
exercise all powers necessary or convenient to accom plish the
purposes and objectives of Article XIII-A of the Oklahoma
Constitution and review all applicable poli cies related to degree
program offerings and expedite its degree program approval process
to maximize availability of postsecondary education options in this
state.
SECTION 2. AMENDATORY 70 O.S. 2021, Section 3213.1, is
amended to read as follows:
Section 3213.1. A. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher
Education shall make educational program resources at institutions
in The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education available to t he
people in the Ponca City area. This program shall be known as th e
University Center at Ponca City.
B. The State Regents shall d raw upon the educational programs
of institutions best suited to provide the kind of educational
programs needed and shall, in pursuance of Article XIII-A of the
Constitution of Oklahoma and a ppropriate statutes, set the standards
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of education as they rela te to the programs operated to assure that
credits earned by students will be fully accepted at institutions of
higher education to which the students may transfer the credit to
apply toward an educational study objective. Northern Oklahoma
College shall have exclusive authority to offer all lower division
courses and programs at the University Center at Ponca City as
listed in the current college catalog of Northern Oklahoma College.
C. The State Regents may establish appropriate funds and
accounts, including a revolving fund , in the Office of State Finance
Office of Management and Enterprise Services for servicing the
fiscal operations of the University Center at Ponca City. The funds
and accounts shall be subject to the direct supervision, management,
and control of the board of trustees created by subsection D of this
section. The people locally shall provide suitable phy sical plant
accommodations for the University Center at Ponca City.
D. There is hereby created a board of nine (9) trustees to be
appointed by the Governor by and with the consent of the Senate to
serve as the administrative agency for the University Center at
Ponca City. The board shall be a body corporate and shall ado pt and
use an official seal. The board so created shall have th e authority
to submit a budget annually to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher
Education, administer monies budgeted by th e State Regents, provide
educational facilities, recommend courses a nd programs to be offered
by participating institutions, select a chief executive officer
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whose duties include the general coo rdination of approved programs
and services, and the selection of other appropriate nonteaching
personnel. The board of trustees is authorized to expend all monies
allocated to the University Center at Ponca City as may be necessary
to perform the duties and responsibilities imposed upon the board by
this section. For purposes of acquiring and taking title to real
and personal property from sources other than state appropriations,
the board is authorized to enter into contracts and to adopt rules
and regulations pertaining to such actions. The initial nine (9)
members shall serve their terms for the period to which originally
appointed, in numbered positions having dates of expiration
identical to the dates of expiration of the original appointments:
Position No. 1. The term of office of one member shall expire
on June 30, 2013, and each nine (9) years thereafter;
Position No. 2. The term of office of one member shall expire
on June 30, 2014, and each nine (9) years thereafter;
Position No. 3. The term of office of one member shall expire
on June 30, 2015, and each nine (9) years thereafter;
Position No. 4. The term of office of one member shall expire
on June 30, 2016, and each nine (9) year s thereafter;
Position No. 5. The term of office of one membe r shall expire
on June 30, 2017, and each nine (9) years there after;
Position No. 6. The term of office of one member shall expir e
on June 30, 2018, and each nine (9) years thereafter;
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Position No. 7. The term of office of one member shall expire
on June 30, 2019, and each nine (9) years thereafter;
Position No. 8. The term of office of one member shall expire
on June 30, 2020, and each nine (9) years thereafter; and
Position No. 9. The term of office of one member shall expi re
on June 30, 2021, and each nine (9) years thereafter.
The board shall organize and elec t a chair, vice-chair vice
chair, and secretary annually.
E. The board of trustees may establish and maintain plans for
tenure and retirement of its employees and for payment of deferred
compensation of employees and may provide hospital and medical
benefits, accident, health and life insurance, and annuity contracts
for employees and pay for all or part of the cost with funds
available for payment of its operating expenses.
F. The board may establish with the State Treasurer any
accounts as are necessary to operate retirement, deferred
compensation, or benefits plans for its employees. The accounts
shall be revolving funds not subje ct to fiscal year limit ations.
Funds deposited in the accounts may be invested in any of the types
of instruments in which the State Treasurer is authorized by law to
invest.
SECTION 3. AMENDATORY 70 O.S. 2021, Section 3405.1, is
amended to read as follow s:
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Section 3405.1. A. The Oklahoma S tate Regents for Higher
Education shall make resident college credit courses and programs
available to the people of Muskogee.
B. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education shall
provide lower division classes and p rograms through a branch of
Connors State College, which shall be established and located in
Muskogee. The branch campus of Connors State College shall be
governed by the Board of Regents for the Oklahoma Agricultural and
Mechanical Colleges and administe red through Connors State College.
C. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education shall
provide upper division classes and programs and graduate classes at
the Masters level and may offer lower division classes and programs
through a branch of Northea stern State University, which shall be
established and located at Muskogee. The branch campus of
Northeastern State University shall be governed by the Board of
Regents of Oklahoma Colleges and administered through Northeastern
State University.
SECTION 4. AMENDATORY 70 O.S. 2021, Section 4662, is
amended to read as follows:
Section 4662. On January 1, 1999, there shall be established as
a successor to Rogers University in Tulsa a bra nch institution of
Oklahoma State University which sh all be known as Oklahoma State
University/Tulsa Oklahoma State University -Tulsa and shall offer
upper division undergraduate courses and baccalaureate degree
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programs and may offer lower d ivision undergraduate courses a nd
baccalaureate degree programs. No later than July 1, 2001, the
Board of Regents for the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanica l
Colleges, in cooperation with the Oklahoma State Regents for Hi gher
Education, shall have developed and implemented programs le ading to
baccalaureate degrees that c an be earned at Oklahoma State
University/Tulsa Oklahoma State University -Tulsa. Beginning with
the 2001 - 2002 academic year, degrees earned at Oklahoma State
University/Tulsa Oklahoma State University -Tulsa shall be designated
as awarded by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education acting
through Oklahoma State University; provided tha t dual degree
programs may be offer ed at Oklahoma State University/Tulsa Oklahoma
State University-Tulsa and dual degrees may be awarded through
Oklahoma State University and other institutions.
SECTION 5. AMENDATORY 70 O.S. 2021, Section 4667, is
amended to read as follows:
Section 4667. On July 1, 2001, there shall be established a
branch of Langston Uni versity within the Tulsa metropolitan area
consistent with the statewide plan for Langston University as
provided in Section 6 of this act Section 4666 of this title .
Langston University shall continue to meet the missions and programs
of the Langston Urban Center in Tulsa. The Oklahoma Sta te Regents
for Higher Education are authorized to make lower division and upper
division undergraduate and graduate course offerings at the Langston
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University Branch in Tulsa available as the State Regents shall
determine are appropriate. Undergraduate degree programs offered
through Oklahoma State University/Tulsa shall not du plicate those
undergraduate degree programs offered by Langston University Branch
in Tulsa, as determined by the Oklahoma State Regents for High er
Education and shall be consistent with and in furthering
implementation of the statewide plan for Langston Un iversity as
developed by the State Regents pursuant to Section 6 of this a ct and
filed with the Office for Civil Rights, United States Departmen t of
Education.
The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education s hall fund
Langston University at a level not le ss than its fiscal year 1998
level, and its Education and General Budget shall be held harmless
from reductions in succeeding yea rs. The Oklahoma State Regents for
Higher Education shall allocate funds to Lan gston University
sufficient to fund full time f aculty in Tulsa at a level equal to
seventy percent (70%) of its faculty l evel that existed in Tulsa in
fiscal year 1998 and adeq uate building and classroom space which
were funded in fiscal year 1998 in order to carry out all functions
in Tulsa. The Board of Regents for the Oklahoma Agricultural and
Mechanical Colleges shall a llocate space for Langston University in
Tulsa.
It is the intent of the Legislature that Langston Universit y be
funded at a level consi stent with the average allocation and
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allotment of the institutions in the regional funding tier as
established by the Ok lahoma State Regents for Hig her Education.
Beginning with the 2001 - 2002 academic year, degrees earned at
Langston University Branch i n Tulsa shall be designated as awarded
by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education acting through
Langston University.
SECTION 6. AMENDATORY 70 O.S. 2021, Sec tion 4668, is
amended to read as foll ows:
Section 4668. On July 1, 2001, there may be established a
branch of Northeastern State University within the Tulsa
metropolitan area. The Oklah oma State Regents for Higher Education
are authorized to make lower division and upper division
undergraduate and graduate course offe rings at the Northeastern
State University bran ch in Broken Arrow available as the State
Regents shall determine are appropriate. Undergraduate degree
programs offered through Oklahoma State University/Tulsa shall not
duplicate those undergraduate degree programs offered by
Northeastern State University in Tulsa, as determined by the
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.
The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education shall fund
Northeastern State University at a level not less than its fiscal
year 1998 level, and its Education and General Budget shall be held
harmless from reductions in succeeding years.
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It is the intent of the Legis lature that Northeastern State
University in Broken Arrow be funded at a level consistent with the
average allocation and allotment of the institutions in the regional
funding tier as established by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher
Education.
Beginning with the 2001 - 2002 academic year, degrees earned at
the Northeastern State University Branch branch in Tulsa Broken
Arrow shall be designated as awarded by the Oklahoma State R egents
for Higher Education acting throug h Northeastern State University.
SECTION 7. AMENDATORY 7 0 O.S. 2021, Section 4669, is
amended to read as follows:
Section 4669. A. On January 1, 1999, there shall be created in
Claremore, Oklahoma, and its other regionally accre dited sites, as a
successor to the Claremore campus of Rogers University, an
institution of higher education to be known as Rogers State
University. Rogers State University shall programmatically and
budgetarily function as a regional institution within T he Oklahoma
State System of High er Education, yet with a community college
component. It shall be authorized to offer no less than the average
number of programs and courses of study at other regional
institutions of similar size and enrollment.
B. Rogers State University shall operate as an institution
within The Oklahoma State Syste m of Higher Education and shall be
governed by the Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma. The
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president of Rogers State Uni versity shall report directly to the
Board of Regents of the University o f Oklahoma.
C. It is the intent of the Legislatur e that Rogers State
University be funded initially at a level consisten t with the
average allocation and allotment of the institution s in the regional
funding tier as establi shed by the Oklahoma State Regen ts for Higher
Education.
D. The Legislature recog nizes the decision of the State
Regents, pursuant to the powers vested in the State Regents by
Section 2 of Article XIII -A of the Oklahoma Constitution, to change
the function of Rogers State University, fo rmerly known as the
Claremore campus of Rogers Uni versity, to include a four-year
baccalaureate and graduate degree grant ing function, as quickly as
that can be done, giving due consi deration to the protection of the
institution’s regional accreditation st atus. The State Regents will
provide an annual re port on the transition in Rogers State
University function to the Gover nor, the Speaker of the House of
Representatives, and the Pres ident Pro Tempore of the Senate,
beginning on January 1, 2000, and contin uing until Rogers State
University is regionally a ccredited as a four-year baccalaureate and
graduate degree granting ins titution.
E. Rogers State University shall maintain a communi ty college
component within the universit y and shall maintain admission
standards, academic policies, and practices for the community
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college component consistent with those approved for associa te
degree granting institutions by the Oklahoma State Regents for
Higher Education.
F. Rogers State University is hereby authorized to contract
with other regionally accredited institu tions of higher education,
specifically including Northeastern State Un iversity, for the
delivery of courses and programs at any loca tion where Rogers State
University is authorized to deliver courses or pr ograms. This
authorization shall still remain in force after Rogers State
University gains regional accreditation for up per division programs.
SECTION 8. REPEALER 70 O.S. 2021, Section 4665, is
hereby repealed.
SECTION 9. This act shall become effective July 1, 2023.
SECTION 10. It being immediately necessary for the preservation
of the public peace, health, or safety, an emergency is hereby
declared to exist, by reason whereof thi s act shall take effect and
be in full force from and after its passa ge and approval.
COMMITTEE REPORT BY: COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION
February 28, 2023 - DO PASS AS AMENDED