Oklahoma's efforts to boost higher education within the Tulsa region have borne fruit as Senate Bill 701 lands the governor's signature, promising a wider array of academic opportunities for students. Senator John Haste (R-Broken Arrow), who has worked for seven years on such initiatives, saw his bill receive backing at the highest state level as Governor Kevin Stitt approved the legislation, aimed at expanding course and degree offerings in northeastern Oklahoma. According to a statement by Senator Haste, obtained by the Oklahoma State Senate, the bill marks a critical step in making higher education more accessible without the burden of travel for local students.
SB 701, in its essence, authorizes the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to grant functional exceptions, enabling institutions in the Tulsa area to broaden undergraduate and graduate program choices. This tweak ensures that students can complete their education closer to home. "This is a milestone I’ve been working toward for seven years — since I first came to the legislature — and I’m incredibly proud to see it become law," told Senator Haste the Oklahoma State Senate. The bill also received support from Representative Toni Hasenbeck (R-Elgin), who highlighted the bill's empowerment of higher education institutions to cater to the specific needs of their communities.
In addition to Senator Haste, the bill also lists Senator Christi Gillespie (R-Tulsa) as a co-author. Gillespie lauded the bill's regional significance, acknowledging it as "a meaningful investment in the future of our region." She stressed the bill's potential for providing students and families with more educational choices that match the demands of today's job market, according to the same Senate press release.
With Governor Stitt's ratification, the legislation clears the path for higher education institutions across the Tulsa region to bolster their academic rosters, paving the way for an enhanced alignment with workforce requirements. This development is not only poised to provide students with a broader spectrum of educational options but also to serve as boon to local employers in need of skilled labor. Rep. Hasenbeck added, "It’s a proactive approach to ensuring that all Oklahomans have access to quality education and the tools necessary for success," as reported by the Oklahoma State Senate.
