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1 STATE OF OKLAHOMA
1
2 2nd Session of the 60th Legislature (2026)
2
3 SENATE BILL 1782 By: Grellner
3
4
4
5
5
6 AS INTRODUCED
6
7 An Act relating to higher education; directing
7 certain institutions of higher education to
8 electronically submit certain information to the
8 Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education annually
9 by certain date; requiring the State Regents to
9 electronically submit certain information annually by
10 certain date; amending 70 O.S. 2021, Section 3213.1,
10 as amended by Section 2, Chapter 312, O.S.L. 2025 (70
11 O.S. Supp. 2025, Section 3213.1), which relates to
11 the University Center at Ponca City; prohibiting the
12 board of trustees from establishing and maintaining
12 tenure plans for employees hired after certain date;
13 providing contract limitation; amending 70 O.S. 2021,
13 Section 3305, which relates to the Board of Regents
14 of the University of Oklahoma; prohibiting the Board
14 of Regents from establishing and maintaining tenure
15 plans for employees hired after certain date;
15 providing contract limitation; amending 70 O.S. 2021,
16 Section 3407.2, which relates to the Board of Regents
16 of Murray State College; prohibiting the Board of
17 Regents from establishing and maintaining tenure
17 plans for employees hired after certain date;
18 providing contract limitation; amending 70 O.S. 2021,
18 Section 3412, which relates to the Board of Regents
19 for the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical
19 Colleges; prohibiting the Board of Regents from
20 establishing and maintaining tenure plans for
20 employees hired after certain date; providing
21 contract limitation; amending 70 O.S. 2021, Section
21 3510, as amended by Section 1, Chapter 186, O.S.L.
22 2023 (70 O.S. Supp. 2025, Section 3510), which
22 relates to the Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges;
23 prohibiting the Board of Regents from establishing
23 and maintaining tenure plans for employees hired
24 after certain date; providing contract limitation;
24
Req. No. 3502 Page 1
1 amending 70 O.S. 2021, Section 3606, which relates to
1 the Board of Regents of the Oklahoma College of
2 Liberal Arts; prohibiting the Board of Regents from
2 establishing and maintaining tenure plans for
3 employees hired after certain date; providing
3 contract limitation; amending 70 O.S. 2021, Section
4 3706, which relates to the Board of Regents of the
4 Northern Oklahoma College; prohibiting the Board of
5 Regents from establishing and maintaining tenure
5 plans for employees hired after certain date;
6 providing contract limitation; amending 70 O.S. 2021,
6 Section 4413, which relates to Tulsa Community
7 College; prohibiting the Board of Regents of the
7 Tulsa Community College from establishing and
8 maintaining tenure plans for employees hired after
8 certain date; providing contract limitation; amending
9 70 O.S. 2021, Section 4418, which relates to Western
9 Oklahoma State College; prohibiting the Board of
10 Regents of Western Oklahoma State College from
10 establishing and maintaining tenure plans for
11 employees hired after certain date; providing
11 contract limitation; amending 70 O.S. 2021, Section
12 4423, which relates to maintenance of two-year
12 colleges; prohibiting the boards of regents of
13 certain two-year colleges from establishing and
13 maintaining tenure plans for employees hired after
14 certain date; providing contract limitation; updating
14 statutory language; making language gender neutral;
15 providing for codification; and providing an
15 effective date.
16
16
17
17
18 BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA:
18
19 SECTION 1. NEW LAW A new section of law to be codified
19
20 in the Oklahoma Statutes as Section 3260 of Title 70, unless there
20
21 is created a duplication in numbering, reads as follows:
21
22 A. By July 31, 2028, and by July 31 each year thereafter, each
22
23 institution of higher education within The Oklahoma State System of
23
24 Higher Education shall electronically submit to the Oklahoma State
24
Req. No. 3502 Page 2
1 Regents for Higher Education the following information for the
1
2 preceding academic year:
2
3 1. The number of full-time faculty employed by the institution;
3
4 2. The number of full-time faculty members who have been
4
5 awarded tenure;
5
6 3. The number of part-time faculty including adjunct
6
7 instructors or employees; and
7
8 4. The number of graduate assistants employed by the
8
9 institution including the number of courses taught by each graduate
9
10 assistant.
10
11 B. By September 1, 2028, and by September 1 each year
11
12 thereafter, the State Regents shall electronically submit to the
12
13 Governor, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and the Speaker
13
14 of the House of Representatives the information submitted pursuant
14
15 to subsection A of this section.
15
16 SECTION 2. AMENDATORY 70 O.S. 2021, Section 3213.1, as
16
17 amended by Section 2, Chapter 312, O.S.L. 2025 (70 O.S. Supp. 2025,
17
18 Section 3213.1), is amended to read as follows:
18
19 Section 3213.1. A. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher
19
20 Education shall make educational program resources at institutions
20
21 in The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education available to the
21
22 people in the Ponca City area. This The program shall be known as
22
23 the University Center at Ponca City.
23
24
24
Req. No. 3502 Page 3
1 B. The State Regents shall draw upon the educational programs
1
2 of institutions best suited to provide the kind of educational
2
3 programs needed and shall, in pursuance of Article XIII-A of the
3
4 Oklahoma Constitution and appropriate statutes, set the standards of
4
5 education as they relate to the programs operated to assure that
5
6 credits earned by students will be fully accepted at institutions of
6
7 higher education to which the students may transfer the credit to
7
8 apply toward an educational study objective.
8
9 C. The State Regents may establish appropriate funds and
9
10 accounts, including a revolving fund, in the Office of Management
10
11 and Enterprise Services for servicing the fiscal operations of the
11
12 University Center at Ponca City. The funds and accounts shall be
12
13 subject to the direct supervision, management, and control of the
13
14 board of trustees created by subsection D of this section. The
14
15 people locally shall provide suitable physical plant accommodations
15
16 for the University Center at Ponca City.
16
17 D. There is hereby created a board of nine (9) trustees to be
17
18 appointed by the Governor by and with the consent of the Senate to
18
19 serve as the administrative agency for the University Center at
19
20 Ponca City. The board shall be a body corporate and shall adopt and
20
21 use an official seal. The board so created shall have the authority
21
22 to submit a budget annually to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher
22
23 Education, administer monies budgeted by the State Regents, provide
23
24 educational facilities, recommend courses and programs to be offered
24
Req. No. 3502 Page 4
1 by participating institutions, select a chief executive officer
1
2 whose duties include the general coordination of approved programs
2
3 and services, and the selection of other appropriate nonteaching
3
4 personnel. The board of trustees is authorized to expend all monies
4
5 allocated to the University Center at Ponca City as may be necessary
5
6 to perform the duties and responsibilities imposed upon the board by
6
7 this section. For purposes of acquiring and taking title to real
7
8 and personal property from sources other than state appropriations,
8
9 the board is authorized to enter into contracts and to adopt rules
9
10 and regulations pertaining to such actions. The initial nine (9)
10
11 members shall serve their terms for the period to which originally
11
12 appointed, in numbered positions having dates of expiration
12
13 identical to the dates of expiration of the original appointments:
13
14 Position No. 1. The term of office of one member shall expire
14
15 on June 30, 2013, and each nine (9) years thereafter;
15
16 Position No. 2. The term of office of one member shall expire
16
17 on June 30, 2014, and each nine (9) years thereafter;
17
18 Position No. 3. The term of office of one member shall expire
18
19 on June 30, 2015, and each nine (9) years thereafter;
19
20 Position No. 4. The term of office of one member shall expire
20
21 on June 30, 2016, and each nine (9) years thereafter;
21
22 Position No. 5. The term of office of one member shall expire
22
23 on June 30, 2017, and each nine (9) years thereafter;
23
24
24
Req. No. 3502 Page 5
1 Position No. 6. The term of office of one member shall expire
1
2 on June 30, 2018, and each nine (9) years thereafter;
2
3 Position No. 7. The term of office of one member shall expire
3
4 on June 30, 2019, and each nine (9) years thereafter;
4
5 Position No. 8. The term of office of one member shall expire
5
6 on June 30, 2020, and each nine (9) years thereafter; and
6
7 Position No. 9. The term of office of one member shall expire
7
8 on June 30, 2021, and each nine (9) years thereafter.
8
9 The board shall organize and elect a chair, vice-chair vice
9
10 chair, and secretary annually.
10
11 E. The board of trustees may, except as provided for in
11
12 subsection F of this section, establish and maintain plans for
12
13 tenure and retirement of its employees and for payment of deferred
13
14 compensation of employees and may provide hospital and medical
14
15 benefits, accident, health, and life insurance and annuity contracts
15
16 for employees and pay for all or part of the cost with funds
16
17 available for payment of its operating expenses.
17
18 F. Beginning January 1, 2027, the board of trustees shall not
18
19 have the authority to establish and maintain plans for tenure of
19
20 employees hired January 1, 2027, and thereafter. The contract of
20
21 any employee hired on January 1, 2027, and thereafter shall not
21
22 exceed five (5) years.
22
23 G. The board may establish with the State Treasurer any
23
24 accounts as are necessary to operate retirement, deferred
24
Req. No. 3502 Page 6
1 compensation, or benefits plans for its employees. The accounts
1
2 shall be revolving funds not subject to fiscal year limitations.
2
3 Funds deposited in the accounts may be invested in any of the types
3
4 of instruments in which the State Treasurer is authorized by law to
4
5 invest.
5
6 SECTION 3. AMENDATORY 70 O.S. 2021, Section 3305, is
6
7 amended to read as follows:
7
8 Section 3305. The Board of Regents of the University of
8
9 Oklahoma shall have the supervision, management, and control of the
9
10 University of Oklahoma and all its integral parts, of Cameron
10
11 University, and of Rogers State University and shall have the
11
12 following additional powers and duties:
12
13 (a) Adopt such rules and regulations as it deems necessary to
13
14 govern the University of Oklahoma, Cameron University, and Rogers
14
15 State University.
15
16 (b) Employ and fix the compensation and duties of such
16
17 personnel as it deems necessary, including architects, attorneys,
17
18 engineers, and other professional and technical persons, for its
18
19 operation and for the operation of the University of Oklahoma,
19
20 Cameron University, and Rogers State University. Any of such
20
21 personnel having custody of public funds or other public property
21
22 may be required to furnish corporate surety bonds in such amounts as
22
23 may be deemed necessary by the Board, payable to the State of
23
24
24
Req. No. 3502 Page 7
1 Oklahoma this state and conditioned upon a faithful accounting of
1
2 all such funds and property.
2
3 (c) Enter into contracts, purchase supplies, materials, and
3
4 equipment, and incur such other expenses as may be necessary to make
4
5 any of its powers effective.
5
6 (d) Authorize officials of the University of Oklahoma, Cameron
6
7 University, and Rogers State University to act in its behalf in the
7
8 making of contracts, or in carrying out the powers conferred upon
8
9 it.
9
10 (e) Receive and make disposition of monies, grants, and
10
11 property from federal agencies, and administer the same in
11
12 accordance with federal requirements.
12
13 (f) Accept gifts of real and personal property, monies, and
13
14 other things, and use or dispose of the same in accordance with the
14
15 directions of the donors or grantors thereof.
15
16 (g) Direct the disposition of all monies appropriated by the
16
17 Legislature or by the Congress or derived from the sale of bonds or
17
18 received from any other source by the University of Oklahoma,
18
19 Cameron University, and Rogers State University.
19
20 (h) Acquire and take title to real and personal property in its
20
21 name, on behalf of the University of Oklahoma or any agency thereof,
21
22 on behalf of Cameron University, and on behalf of Rogers State
22
23 University and convey, exchange, or dispose of, or otherwise manage
23
24 or control, such property in the interest of the University of
24
Req. No. 3502 Page 8
1 Oklahoma or agency thereof, Cameron University, and Rogers State
1
2 University, including the granting of leases, permits, easements,
2
3 and licenses over or upon such real property. The Board shall have
3
4 the power to institute legal action in the name of the Board before
4
5 any court having jurisdiction of such actions. The Board shall have
5
6 the custody and control of abstracts of title and instruments
6
7 affecting the ownership of or title to real property belonging to
7
8 the Board, and being held by the Board on behalf of the University
8
9 of Oklahoma or any agency thereof, on behalf of Cameron University,
9
10 and on behalf of Rogers State University.
10
11 (i) Have supervision and charge of the construction of all
11
12 buildings at the University of Oklahoma, Cameron University, and
12
13 Rogers State University.
13
14 (j) Determine the need for and cause to be constructed,
14
15 dormitories and other buildings, on a self-liquidating basis, at the
15
16 University of Oklahoma or any branch or facility thereof, at Cameron
16
17 University, and at Rogers State University.
17
18 (k) Establish and maintain plans for tenure, except as provided
18
19 for in subsection (o) of this section, and establish and maintain
19
20 plans for retirement of employees of the Board and of the University
20
21 of Oklahoma, Cameron University, and Rogers State University and for
21
22 payment of deferred compensation of such employees; and provide
22
23 hospital and medical benefits, accident, health, and life insurance,
23
24 and annuity contracts, for such employees and their dependents. The
24
Req. No. 3502 Page 9
1 Board may pay for all or a part of the cost thereof for employees,
1
2 with funds available for the operation of the institution. Amounts
2
3 payable by an employee for such insurance or annuity contracts may,
3
4 with the consent of the employee, be deducted from his or her
4
5 salary.
5
6 (l) Audit all accounts against the funds appropriated for the
6
7 use and maintenance of the University of Oklahoma, Cameron
7
8 University, and Rogers State University and the State Treasurer
8
9 shall issue his a warrant for the amount of all accounts, including
9
10 salaries and expenses of said the Board, which shall have been
10
11 audited and allowed by the Board of Regents and attested by the
11
12 President and Secretary of the University of Oklahoma, the President
12
13 of Cameron University, and the President of Rogers State University.
13
14 (m) Provide penalties and forfeitures by way of damages and
14
15 otherwise for the violation of rules and regulations of the Board,
15
16 which may be sued for and collected in the name of the Board before
16
17 any court having jurisdiction of such actions.
17
18 (n) Issue, on behalf of the University of Oklahoma, special and
18
19 limited obligations for purposes of such capital projects as the
19
20 Regents may deem to be proper.
20
21 (o) Beginning January 1, 2027, the Board shall not have the
21
22 authority to establish and maintain plans for tenure of employees
22
23 hired January 1, 2027, and thereafter. The contract of any employee
23
24
24
Req. No. 3502 Page 10
1 hired on January 1, 2027, and thereafter shall not exceed five (5)
1
2 years.
2
3 (p) Do all things necessary and convenient to carry out the
3
4 powers expressly granted to it by the Constitution and the laws of
4
5 the state, or to make the University of Oklahoma, Cameron
5
6 University, and Rogers State University effective for the purposes
6
7 for which they are maintained and operated and the enumeration
7
8 herein of certain powers and immunities of the Board of Regents of
8
9 the University shall not be construed as in derogation or as a
9
10 limitation of the powers and immunities properly belonging to the
10
11 Board in the government of the University of Oklahoma, Cameron
11
12 University, and Rogers State University by virtue of Section 8,
12
13 Article XIII of the Constitution.
13
14 SECTION 4. AMENDATORY 70 O.S. 2021, Section 3407.2, is
14
15 amended to read as follows:
15
16 Section 3407.2. A. The Board of Regents of Murray State
16
17 College shall consist of seven (7) members, including one member who
17
18 is a resident of Ardmore, Oklahoma, appointed by the Governor, by
18
19 and with the advice and consent of the Senate. The regular term of
19
20 each member shall be seven (7) years, except that the initial
20
21 appointments shall be for lesser terms so that the term of only one
21
22 member shall expire each year.
22
23 B. The Board of Regents of Murray State College shall be a body
23
24 corporate, and shall adopt and use an official seal. It shall
24
Req. No. 3502 Page 11
1 annually elect a chair, a vice-chair vice chair, and a secretary,
1
2 each of whom shall serve for a term of one (1) fiscal year and until
2
3 his or her successor is elected and qualified, and who shall perform
3
4 such duties as the Board directs. The Board shall adopt rules and
4
5 regulations as it deems necessary for the governing of the Board and
5
6 the discharge of its duties, and shall cause to be kept the minutes
6
7 of all meetings and transactions considered at each meeting, in a
7
8 suitable book to be obtained and kept for such purpose. The Board
8
9 of Regents of Murray State College shall be the governing board of
9
10 the College and shall have the supervision and management thereof
10
11 and shall have the same powers and duties as governing boards of
11
12 other institutions in The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education,
12
13 and may do all things necessary or convenient to make the College
13
14 effective for the purpose for which it is operated.
14
15 C. Beginning January 1, 2027, the Board of Regents shall not
15
16 have the authority to establish and maintain plans for tenure of
16
17 employees hired January 1, 2027, and thereafter. The contract of
17
18 any employee hired on January 1, 2027, and thereafter shall not
18
19 exceed five (5) years.
19
20 SECTION 5. AMENDATORY 70 O.S. 2021, Section 3412, is
20
21 amended to read as follows:
21
22 Section 3412. The Board of Regents for the Oklahoma
22
23 Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges shall have the supervision,
23
24 management, and control of Oklahoma State University, Panhandle
24
Req. No. 3502 Page 12
1 State University, Langston University, Connors State College, and
1
2 Northeastern Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College; and shall
2
3 have the following additional powers and duties:
3
4 1. Adopt such rules and regulations as it deems necessary to
4
5 govern each of the institutions under its jurisdiction;
5
6 2. Employ and fix the compensation and duties of such personnel
6
7 as it deems necessary, including architects, attorneys, engineers,
7
8 and other professional and technical persons deemed necessary by the
8
9 Board, for its operation and for the operation of the institutions
9
10 under its jurisdiction. Any of such personnel having custody of
10
11 public funds or other public property may be required to furnish
11
12 corporate surety bonds in such amounts as may be deemed necessary by
12
13 the Board, payable to the State of Oklahoma this state and
13
14 conditioned upon a faithful accounting of all such funds and
14
15 property;
15
16 3. Enter into contracts, purchase supplies, materials, and
16
17 equipment, and incur such other expenses as may be necessary to make
17
18 any of its powers effective;
18
19 4. Authorize officials at the several institutions under its
19
20 jurisdiction to act in its behalf in the making of contracts, or in
20
21 carrying out the powers conferred upon it;
21
22 5. Receive and make disposition of monies, grants, and property
22
23 from federal agencies, and administer the same in accordance with
23
24 federal requirements;
24
Req. No. 3502 Page 13
1 6. Accept gifts of real and personal property, money, and other
1
2 things, and use or dispose of the same in accordance with the
2
3 directions of the donors or grantors thereof;
3
4 7. Direct the disposition of all monies appropriated by the
4
5 Legislature or by the Congress or derived from the sale of bonds or
5
6 received from any other source by institutions under its
6
7 jurisdiction;
7
8 8. Acquire and take title to real and personal property in its
8
9 name, on behalf of any of the institutions under its jurisdiction,
9
10 and convey, exchange, or dispose of, or otherwise manage or control,
10
11 such property in the interest of such institutions, including the
11
12 granting of leases, permits, easements, and licenses over or upon
12
13 any such real property. The Board shall have the power to institute
13
14 any legal action in the name of the Board before any court having
14
15 jurisdiction of such actions. The Board shall have the custody and
15
16 control of abstracts of title and instruments affecting the
16
17 ownership of or title to real property belonging to the Board, and
17
18 being held by the Board on behalf of a particular state educational
18
19 institution;
19
20 9. Have supervision and charge of the construction of all
20
21 buildings at the institutions under its jurisdiction;
21
22 10. Determine the need for and cause to be constructed,
22
23 dormitories and other buildings, on a self-liquidating basis, at any
23
24 institution under its jurisdiction;
24
Req. No. 3502 Page 14
1 11. Establish and maintain plans for tenure, except as provided
1
2 for in paragraph 12 of this section, and establish and maintain
2
3 plans for retirement of employees of the Board and of the
3
4 institutions under its jurisdiction, and for payment of deferred
4
5 compensation of such employees; and provide hospital and medical
5
6 benefits, accident, health, and life insurance, and annuity
6
7 contracts, for such employees and their dependents. The Board may
7
8 pay for all or a part of the cost for employees thereof with funds
8
9 available for the operation of the institution. Amounts payable by
9
10 an employee for such insurance or annuity contracts may, with the
10
11 consent of the employee, be deducted from the employee's salary;
11
12 12. Beginning January 1, 2027, the Board shall not have the
12
13 authority to establish and maintain plans for tenure of employees
13
14 hired January 1, 2027, and thereafter. The contract of any employee
14
15 hired on January 1, 2027, and thereafter shall not exceed five (5)
15
16 years;
16
17 13. The Board shall cause a complete inventory to be made of
17
18 all properties belonging to each of the agricultural colleges or
18
19 universities within the State of Oklahoma this state before the last
19
20 Monday in December, next preceding each biennial session of the
20
21 State Legislature, and accompanying the inventories shall be a
21
22 financial statement showing in detail the condition of all funds
22
23 appropriated for the use of the agricultural colleges and
23
24 experimental stations, also the money expended and the purposes for
24
Req. No. 3502 Page 15
1 which the same were expended and the condition of the institution;
1
2 and, the results of experiments carried on, together with their
2
3 recommendations concerning remedial legislation or rules for the
3
4 betterment of the institution;
4
5 13. 14. The Board shall audit all accounts against the funds
5
6 appropriated for the use and maintenance of the Oklahoma State
6
7 University and the other state agricultural colleges, including
7
8 experimental stations, and the State Treasurer shall issue a warrant
8
9 for the amount of all accounts, including salaries and expenses;
9
10 14. 15. Provide penalties and forfeitures by way of damages and
10
11 otherwise for the violation of rules of the Board, which may be sued
11
12 for and collected in the name of the Board before any court having
12
13 jurisdiction of such actions;
13
14 15. 16. The Legislature further recognizes and confirms, that
14
15 the Oklahoma State University is an institution corporate under the
15
16 constitution Oklahoma Constitution and the statutes of Oklahoma this
16
17 state with full power and authority, acting through its
17
18 constitutional Board of Regents, to do all things necessary or
18
19 convenient to accomplish the corporate objects of the institution,
19
20 and the institution, acting through its constitutional Board of
20
21 Regents, is hereby recognized to be such public corporation and to
21
22 have such powers; and
22
23
23
24
24
Req. No. 3502 Page 16
1 16. 17. Issue, on behalf of Oklahoma State University, special
1
2 and limited obligations for purposes of such capital projects as the
2
3 Regents may deem to be proper.
3
4 Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the powers of
4
5 the board of regents Board of Regents to control and use monies
5
6 accruing to the institutions under their its jurisdiction and
6
7 control, from nontax sources, including institutional earnings, and
7
8 proceeds of sales of surplus properties heretofore authorized to be
8
9 sold, and revenues derived by way of bonuses and rentals from oil
9
10 and gas leases, for any lawful institutional purpose, is hereby
10
11 specifically confirmed.
11
12 The enumeration herein of certain powers and immunities of the
12
13 Board of Regents for the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical
13
14 Colleges shall not be construed as in derogation or as a limitation
14
15 of other powers and immunities properly belonging to the Board by
15
16 virtue of any provisions of the Oklahoma Constitution of Oklahoma or
16
17 of any provision of law. The Board, is hereby, expressly granted
17
18 every power necessary or convenient to make institutions under its
18
19 jurisdiction effective for the purposes for which they were created
19
20 and are maintained and operated.
20
21 Nothing in this section shall be construed as in derogation of
21
22 the constitutional powers and responsibilities of the Board of
22
23 Regents for the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges,
23
24 acting as the Board of Regents for Connors State College,
24
Req. No. 3502 Page 17
1 Northeastern Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College, Panhandle
1
2 State University, and Langston University.
2
3 SECTION 6. AMENDATORY 70 O.S. 2021, Section 3510, as
3
4 amended by Section 1, Chapter 186, O.S.L. 2023 (70 O.S. Supp. 2025,
4
5 Section 3510), is amended to read as follows:
5
6 Section 3510. The Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges, also
6
7 known as the Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO) pursuant
7
8 to Section 3507.1 of this title, shall have the supervision,
8
9 management, and control of the University of Central Oklahoma, East
9
10 Central University, Northeastern State University, Northwestern
10
11 Oklahoma State University, Southeastern Oklahoma State University,
11
12 and Southwestern Oklahoma State University;, and it shall have the
12
13 following additional powers and duties:
13
14 (a) Adopt such rules and regulations as it deems necessary to
14
15 govern each of the institutions under its jurisdiction.
15
16 (b) Employ and fix the compensation and duties of such
16
17 personnel as it deems necessary including architects, attorneys,
17
18 engineers, and other professional and technical persons for its
18
19 operation and for the operation of the institutions under its
19
20 jurisdiction. Any of such personnel having custody of public funds
20
21 or other public property may be required to furnish corporate surety
21
22 bonds in such amounts as may be deemed necessary by the Board,
22
23 payable to this state and conditioned upon a faithful accounting of
23
24 all such funds and property.
24
Req. No. 3502 Page 18
1 (c) Enter into contracts, purchase supplies, materials, and
1
2 equipment, and incur such other expenses as may be necessary to make
2
3 any of its powers effective.
3
4 (d) Authorize officials at the several institutions under its
4
5 jurisdiction to act in its behalf in the making of contracts, or in
5
6 carrying out the powers conferred upon it.
6
7 (e) Receive and make disposition of monies, grants, and
7
8 property from federal agencies, and administer the same in
8
9 accordance with federal requirements.
9
10 (f) Accept gifts of real and personal property, money, and
10
11 other things, and use or dispose of the same in accordance with the
11
12 directions of the donors or grantors thereof.
12
13 (g) Direct the disposition of all monies appropriated by the
13
14 Legislature or by the Congress or derived from the sale of bonds or
14
15 received from any other source by the institutions under its
15
16 jurisdiction.
16
17 (h) Acquire and take title to real and personal property in its
17
18 name, on behalf of any of the institutions under its jurisdiction,
18
19 and convey, exchange, or dispose of, or otherwise manage or control,
19
20 such property in the interest of such institutions including the
20
21 granting of leases, permits, easements, and licenses over or upon
21
22 any such real property. The Board shall have the power to institute
22
23 any legal action in the name of the Board before any court having
23
24 jurisdiction of such actions. The Board shall have custody of
24
Req. No. 3502 Page 19
1 abstracts of title and instruments affecting the ownership of or
1
2 title to real property acquired for or belonging to such
2
3 institutions.
3
4 (i) Have supervision and charge of the construction of all
4
5 buildings at institutions under its jurisdiction.
5
6 (j) Determine the need for and cause to be constructed
6
7 dormitories and other buildings, on a self-liquidating basis, at any
7
8 institution under its jurisdiction.
8
9 (k) Establish and maintain plans for tenure, except as provided
9
10 for in subsection (l) of this section, and establish and maintain
10
11 plans for retirement of employees of the Board and of the
11
12 institutions under its jurisdiction, and for payment of deferred
12
13 compensation of such employees; and provide hospital and medical
13
14 benefits, accident, health, and life insurance, and annuity
14
15 contracts, for such employees and their dependents. The Board may
15
16 pay for all or a part of the cost thereof for employees, with funds
16
17 available for the operation of the institution. Amounts payable by
17
18 an employee for such insurance or annuity contracts may, with the
18
19 consent of the employee, be deducted from his or her salary.
19
20 (l) Beginning January 1, 2027, the Board shall not have the
20
21 authority to establish and maintain plans for tenure of employees
21
22 hired January 1, 2027, and thereafter. The contract of any employee
22
23 hired on January 1, 2027, and thereafter shall not exceed five (5)
23
24 years.
24
Req. No. 3502 Page 20
1 (m) Maintain an inventory of all property belonging to each of
1
2 the institutions under its jurisdiction.
2
3 (m) (n) Audit all accounts against the funds allocated to the
3
4 institutions under its jurisdiction.
4
5 (n) (o) Provide penalties and forfeitures by way of damages and
5
6 otherwise for the violation of rules and regulations of the Board,
6
7 which may be sued for and collected in the name of the Board before
7
8 any court having jurisdiction of such actions.
8
9 (o) (p) Do all things necessary or convenient to carry out the
9
10 powers expressly granted to it by Article XIII-B of the Oklahoma
10
11 Constitution and the Statutes of Oklahoma statutes of this state, or
11
12 to make institutions under its jurisdiction effective for the
12
13 purposes for which they are maintained or operated.
13
14 (p) (q) Issue, on behalf of the institutions supervised and
14
15 managed by RUSO, special and limited obligations for purposes of
15
16 such capital projects as RUSO may deem proper.
16
17 SECTION 7. AMENDATORY 70 O.S. 2021, Section 3606, is
17
18 amended to read as follows:
18
19 Section 3606. The Board of Regents of the Oklahoma College of
19
20 Liberal Arts shall have the supervision, management, and control of
20
21 the Oklahoma College of Liberal Arts;, and it shall have the
21
22 following additional powers and duties:
22
23 (a) Adopt such rules and regulations as it deems necessary to
23
24 govern the Oklahoma College of Liberal Arts.
24
Req. No. 3502 Page 21
1 (b) Employ and fix the compensation and duties of such
1
2 personnel as it deems necessary, including architects, attorneys,
2
3 engineers, and other professional and technical persons for its
3
4 operation and for the operation of the Oklahoma College of Liberal
4
5 Arts. Any of such personnel having custody of public funds or other
5
6 public property may be required to furnish corporate surety bonds in
6
7 such amounts as may be deemed necessary by the Board, payable to the
7
8 State of Oklahoma this state and conditioned upon a faithful
8
9 accounting of all such funds and property.
9
10 (c) Enter into contracts, purchase supplies, materials, and
10
11 equipment, and incur such other expenses as may be necessary to make
11
12 any of its powers effective.
12
13 (d) Authorize officials at the Oklahoma College of Liberal Arts
13
14 to act in its behalf in the making of contracts, or in carrying out
14
15 the powers conferred upon it.
15
16 (e) Receive and make disposition of monies, grants, and
16
17 property from federal agencies, and administer the same in
17
18 accordance with federal requirements.
18
19 (f) Accept gifts of real and personal property, money, and
19
20 other things, and use or dispose of the same in accordance with the
20
21 directions of the donors or grantors thereof.
21
22 (g) Direct the disposition of all monies appropriated by the
22
23 Legislature or by the Congress or derived from the sale of bonds or
23
24
24
Req. No. 3502 Page 22
1 received from any other source by the Oklahoma College of Liberal
1
2 Arts.
2
3 (h) Acquire and take title to real and personal property in its
3
4 name, on behalf of the Oklahoma College of Liberal Arts, and convey,
4
5 exchange, or dispose of, or otherwise manage or control, such
5
6 property in the interest of such institution, including the granting
6
7 of leases, permits, easements, and licenses over or upon any such
7
8 real property. The Board shall have the power to institute any
8
9 legal action in the name of the Board before any court having
9
10 jurisdiction of such actions. The Board shall have custody of
10
11 abstracts of title and instruments affecting the ownership of or
11
12 title to real property belonging to the Oklahoma College of Liberal
12
13 Arts.
13
14 (i) Have supervision and charge of the construction of all
14
15 buildings at the Oklahoma College of Liberal Arts.
15
16 (j) Determine the need for and cause to be constructed
16
17 dormitories and other buildings, on a self-liquidating basis, at the
17
18 Oklahoma College of Liberal Arts.
18
19 (k) Establish and maintain plans for tenure, except as provided
19
20 for in subsection (l) of this section, and establish and maintain
20
21 plans for retirement of employees at the Oklahoma College of Liberal
21
22 Arts, and for payment of deferred compensation of such employees;
22
23 and provide hospital and medical benefits, accident, health, and
23
24 life insurance, and annuity contracts, for such employees and their
24
Req. No. 3502 Page 23
1 dependents. The Board may pay for all or a part of the cost thereof
1
2 for employees, with funds available for the operation of the
2
3 institution. Amounts payable by an employee for such insurance or
3
4 annuity contracts may with the consent of the employee be deducted
4
5 from his or her salary.
5
6 (l) Beginning January 1, 2027, the Board shall not have the
6
7 authority to establish and maintain plans for tenure of employees
7
8 hired January 1, 2027, and thereafter. The contract of any employee
8
9 hired on January 1, 2027, and thereafter shall not exceed five (5)
9
10 years.
10
11 (m) Maintain an inventory of all property belonging to the
11
12 Oklahoma College of Liberal Arts.
12
13 (m) (n) Audit all accounts against the funds allocated to the
13
14 Oklahoma College of Liberal Arts.
14
15 (n) (o) Provide penalties and forfeitures by way of damages and
15
16 otherwise for the violation of rules and regulations of the Board,
16
17 which may be sued for and collected in the name of the Board before
17
18 any court having jurisdiction of such actions.
18
19 (o) (p) Do all things necessary or convenient to carry out the
19
20 powers expressly granted to it, or to make the Oklahoma College of
20
21 Liberal Arts effective for the purposes for which it is maintained
21
22 or operated.
22
23 SECTION 8. AMENDATORY 70 O.S. 2021, Section 3706, is
23
24 amended to read as follows:
24
Req. No. 3502 Page 24
1 Section 3706. The Board of Regents of the Northern Oklahoma
1
2 College shall have the supervision, management, and control of the
2
3 Northern Oklahoma College;, and it shall have the following
3
4 additional powers and duties:
4
5 (a) Adopt such rules and regulations as it deems necessary to
5
6 govern the Northern Oklahoma College.
6
7 (b) Employ and fix the compensation and duties of such
7
8 personnel as it deems necessary, including architects, attorneys,
8
9 engineers, and other professional and technical persons for its
9
10 operation and for the operation of Northern Oklahoma College. Any
10
11 of such personnel having custody of public funds or other public
11
12 property may be required to furnish corporate surety bonds in such
12
13 amounts as may be deemed necessary by the Board, payable to the
13
14 State of Oklahoma this state and conditioned upon a faithful
14
15 accounting of all such funds and property.
15
16 (c) Enter into contracts, purchase supplies, materials, and
16
17 equipment, and incur such other expenses as may be necessary to make
17
18 any of its powers effective.
18
19 (d) Authorize officials at the Northern Oklahoma College to act
19
20 in its behalf in the making of contracts, or in carrying out the
20
21 powers conferred upon it.
21
22 (e) Receive and make disposition of monies, grants, and
22
23 property from federal agencies, and administer the same in
23
24 accordance with Federal requirements.
24
Req. No. 3502 Page 25
1 (f) Accept gifts of real and personal property, money, and
1
2 other things, and use or dispose of the same in accordance with the
2
3 directions of the donors or grantors thereof.
3
4 (g) Direct the disposition of all monies appropriated by the
4
5 Legislature or by the Congress or derived from the sale of bonds or
5
6 received from any other source by Northern Oklahoma College.
6
7 (h) Acquire and take title to real and personal property in its
7
8 name, on behalf of the Northern Oklahoma College, and convey,
8
9 exchange, or dispose of, or otherwise manage or control, such
9
10 property in the interest of such institution, including the granting
10
11 of leases, permits, easements, and licenses over or upon any such
11
12 real property. The Board shall have the power to institute any
12
13 legal action in the name of the Board before any court having
13
14 jurisdiction of such actions. The Board shall have custody of
14
15 abstracts of title and instruments affecting the ownership of or
15
16 title to real property belonging to the Northern Oklahoma College.
16
17 (i) Have supervision and charge of the construction of all
17
18 buildings at Northern Oklahoma College.
18
19 (j) Determine the need for and cause to be constructed
19
20 dormitories and other buildings, on a self-liquidating basis, at the
20
21 Northern Oklahoma College.
21
22 (k) Establish and maintain plans for tenure, except as provided
22
23 for in subsection (l) of this section, and establish and maintain
23
24 plans for retirement of employees at the Northern Oklahoma College,
24
Req. No. 3502 Page 26
1 and for payment of deferred compensation of such employees; and
1
2 provide hospital and medical benefits, accident, health, and life
2
3 insurance, and annuity contracts, for such employees and their
3
4 dependents. The Board may pay for all or a part of the cost thereof
4
5 for employees with funds available for the operation of the
5
6 institution. Amounts payable by an employee for such insurance or
6
7 annuity contracts may, with the consent of the employee be deducted
7
8 from his or her salary.
8
9 (l) Beginning January 1, 2027, the Board shall not have the
9
10 authority to establish and maintain plans for tenure of employees
10
11 hired January 1, 2027, and thereafter. The contract of any employee
11
12 hired on January 1, 2027, and thereafter shall not exceed five (5)
12
13 years.
13
14 (m) Maintain an inventory of all property belonging to the
14
15 Northern Oklahoma College.
15
16 (m) (n) Audit all accounts against the funds allocated to
16
17 Northern Oklahoma College.
17
18 (n) (o) Provide penalties and forfeitures by way of damages and
18
19 otherwise for the violation of rules and regulations of the Board,
19
20 which may be sued for and collected in the name of the Board before
20
21 any court having jurisdiction of such actions.
21
22 (o) (p) Do all things necessary or convenient to carry out the
22
23 powers expressly granted to it, or to make the Northern Oklahoma
23
24
24
Req. No. 3502 Page 27
1 College effective for the purposes for which it is maintained or
1
2 operated.
2
3 SECTION 9. AMENDATORY 70 O.S. 2021, Section 4413, is
3
4 amended to read as follows:
4
5 Section 4413. A. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher
5
6 Education shall have authority to establish a two-year community
6
7 college in Tulsa County to serve Tulsa County and surrounding area,
7
8 if provision is made locally for the donation, to the State of
8
9 Oklahoma, this state of a suitable site for the college, which shall
9
10 be known as the Tulsa Community College and shall be an integral
10
11 part of The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education;, and shall be
11
12 entitled to the same privileges and be subject to the same laws as
12
13 other member institutions of such State System.
13
14 B. After the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education have
14
15 acted to establish the Tulsa Community College, there shall be
15
16 created the Board of Regents of the Tulsa Community College, which
16
17 shall consist of seven (7) members, to be appointed by the Governor,
17
18 by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Four members of
18
19 said Board shall be residents of Tulsa County. Appointments shall
19
20 be to numbered positions on the Board, and the terms of members of
20
21 the Board shall be as follows:
21
22 Position No. 1. The term of office of one member shall expire
22
23 on the 30th day of June, 1969, and each seven (7) years thereafter.
23
24
24
Req. No. 3502 Page 28
1 Position No. 2. The term of office of one member shall expire
1
2 on the 30th day of June, 1970, and each seven (7) years thereafter.
2
3 Position No. 3. The term of office of one member shall expire
3
4 on the 30th day of June, 1971, and each seven (7) years thereafter.
4
5 Position No. 4. The term of office of one member shall expire
5
6 on the 30th day of June, 1972, and each seven (7) years thereafter.
6
7 Position No. 5. The term of office of one member shall expire
7
8 on the 30th day of June, 1973, and each seven (7) years thereafter.
8
9 Position No. 6. The term of office of one member shall expire
9
10 on the 30th day of June, 1974, and each seven (7) years thereafter.
10
11 Position No. 7. The term of office of one member shall expire
11
12 on the 30th day of June, 1975, and each seven (7) years thereafter.
12
13 Vacancies in positions on the Board shall be filled by the
13
14 Governor for the unexpired term, by and with the advice and consent
14
15 of the Senate. No member of the Board shall be employed upon any
15
16 work to be performed in connection with the Tulsa Community College,
16
17 nor shall any member of said the Board enter into any contract or
17
18 business transaction involving a financial consideration with the
18
19 Tulsa Community College. Each member of the Board of Regents of the
19
20 Tulsa Community College shall take and subscribe to the oaths
20
21 required of state officials generally. Each member of the Board
21
22 shall be allowed necessary travel expenses, as may be approved by
22
23 the Board, pursuant to the State Travel Reimbursement Act.
23
24
24
Req. No. 3502 Page 29
1 C. The Board of Regents of the Tulsa Community College shall be
1
2 a body corporate, and shall adopt and use an official seal. It
2
3 shall annually elect a chairperson, a vice-chairperson vice
3
4 chairperson, and a secretary, each of whom shall serve for a term of
4
5 one (1) fiscal year and until his or her successor is elected and
5
6 qualified, and who shall perform such duties as the Board directs;
6
7 and each of whom shall furnish a corporate surety bond payable to
7
8 the State of Oklahoma this state, in such amount as the Board may
8
9 prescribe, conditioned upon the faithful performance of his or her
9
10 duties. The Board shall adopt rules as it deems necessary for the
10
11 governing of the Board and the discharge of its duties, and shall
11
12 cause to be kept the minutes of all meetings and transactions
12
13 considered at each meeting, in a suitable book to be obtained and
13
14 kept for such purpose. The Board of Regents of the Tulsa Community
14
15 College shall be the governing Board of the community college and
15
16 shall have the supervision and management thereof and shall have the
16
17 same powers and duties as governing boards of other institutions in
17
18 The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education and may do all things
18
19 necessary or convenient to make the community college effective for
19
20 the functions and purposes for which it shall have been established.
20
21 Following the establishment of the Tulsa Community College by the
21
22 Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, the Board of Regents of
22
23 the college shall develop a comprehensive plan for implementing the
23
24 functions, purposes, and educational programs of the Tulsa Community
24
Req. No. 3502 Page 30
1 College as prescribed by the State Regents in the establishment of
1
2 the institution, which plan shall be submitted for review and
2
3 approval of said the State Regents.
3
4 D. The name change from Tulsa Junior College to Tulsa Community
4
5 College shall not affect in any manner whatsoever any legal
5
6 relationships, bonds, contracts, supervisory authority by the Board
6
7 of Regents, title to property, obligations, or any other phase or
7
8 aspect of the legal status of the institution for any purpose,
8
9 except that the institution shall be referred to as the "Tulsa Tulsa
9
10 Community College" College in all future references to the
10
11 institution and in all constitutional and statutory references
11
12 currently in law.
12
13 E. Beginning January 1, 2027, the Board of Regents shall not
13
14 have the authority to establish and maintain plans for tenure of
14
15 employees hired January 1, 2027, and thereafter. The contract of
15
16 any employee hired on January 1, 2027, and thereafter shall not
16
17 exceed five (5) years.
17
18 F. It is the intent of the Legislature that supplies, including
18
19 but not limited to letterheads, which on the effective date of this
19
20 section carry or are labeled with the name "Tulsa Tulsa Junior
20
21 College" College shall be utilized after the effective date of this
21
22 section until such supplies are depleted. Any new supplies ordered
22
23 for use after the effective date of this section shall bear the name
23
24 "Tulsa Tulsa Community College" College. For purposes of this
24
Req. No. 3502 Page 31
1 section, "supplies" shall not mean signs designating the name of the
1
2 college.
2
3 SECTION 10. AMENDATORY 70 O.S. 2021, Section 4418, is
3
4 amended to read as follows:
4
5 Section 4418. A. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher
5
6 Education upon said finding of need and feasibility as provided in
6
7 Section 4417 of this title are directed to negotiate with the Board
7
8 of the now existing Altus Community College and make all appropriate
8
9 arrangements for the conversion of this the institution to a state
9
10 junior college, including the continued use of existing facilities,
10
11 faculty, and other resources for the period of time necessary to
11
12 achieve the conversion, and to maintain and operate the college
12
13 during the transition period. After the conversion has been fully
13
14 accomplished by the State Regents, a governing board composed of
14
15 seven (7) members to serve seven-year overlapping terms and to be
15
16 known as the Board of Regents of Western Oklahoma State College
16
17 shall be created to be appointed by the Governor by and with the
17
18 advice and consent of the Senate, which board. The Board shall have
18
19 the same powers and duties as the Board of Regents of Tulsa
19
20 Community College, set out provided for in Section 4413 of this
20
21 title. No more than four members of Advisory the Board shall be
21
22 residents of any one county involved.
22
23 B. Beginning January 1, 2027, the Board shall not have the
23
24 authority to establish and maintain plans for tenure of employees
24
Req. No. 3502 Page 32
1 hired January 1, 2027, and thereafter. The contract of any employee
1
2 hired on January 1, 2027, and thereafter shall not exceed five (5)
2
3 years.
3
4 SECTION 11. AMENDATORY 70 O.S. 2021, Section 4423, is
4
5 amended to read as follows:
5
6 Section 4423. A. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher
6
7 Education are hereby authorized and directed to maintain two-year
7
8 colleges at El Reno, which shall be known as the Redlands Community
8
9 College, at Poteau, which shall be known as the Carl Albert State
9
10 College, at Seminole, which shall be known as the Seminole State
10
11 College, at Midwest City, which shall be known as the Rose State
11
12 College, and in South Oklahoma City, which shall be known as the
12
13 Oklahoma City Community College; and, each of said the colleges
13
14 shall be an integral and full-fledged part of The Oklahoma State
14
15 System of Higher Education.
15
16 B. Each of the colleges which at the time it became a member of
16
17 the The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education was operating a
17
18 technical area school district program to carry out the function of
18
19 postsecondary technical education for the people of the district
19
20 shall continue to do so as then operated and in accordance with
20
21 Section 4410 of this title, and all property acquired by virtue of
21
22 the technical area school district operation shall remain as
22
23 property of the technical area school district and be maintained in
23
24 the custody of the Board of Regents of the college acting as the
24
Req. No. 3502 Page 33
1 governing board of the technical area school district for use by the
1
2 postsecondary area district program.
2
3 C. For each of the colleges above named and identified provided
3
4 for in this section, there shall be created a separate Board of
4
5 Regents, and said each Board of Regents shall consist of seven (7)
5
6 members to serve seven-year overlapping terms, with members of said
6
7 each Board to be appointed by the Governor, by and with the advice
7
8 and consent of the State Senate. Each Board shall have the same
8
9 powers and duties as the Board of Regents of Tulsa Community
9
10 College. Four members of the Board of Regents for the colleges
10
11 located at El Reno, Poteau, and Seminole shall be from the county in
11
12 which said each college is located. Four members of the Board of
12
13 Regents for Rose State College shall be residents of the original
13
14 district of the college. Four members of the Board of Regents for
14
15 Oklahoma City Community College shall be residents of South Oklahoma
15
16 City. For purposes of this section, "South Oklahoma City" shall
16
17 mean the original district of Oklahoma City Community College and
17
18 the portion of Oklahoma City that lies in Cleveland County and is
18
19 bounded on the west by County Line Road and on the east by Bryant
19
20 Avenue.
20
21 D. With respect to Rose State College and Oklahoma City
21
22 Community College, it is further provided that the college and its
22
23 governing Board of Regents shall continue to operate the technical
23
24 area school district program to carry out the function of
24
Req. No. 3502 Page 34
1 postsecondary technical education for the people of the technical
1
2 education school district as now operated, and in accordance with
2
3 Section 4410 of this title.
3
4 E. Beginning January 1, 2027, the Board of Regents for each of
4
5 the colleges authorized by the provisions of this section shall not
5
6 have the authority to establish and maintain plans for tenure of
6
7 employees hired January 1, 2027, and thereafter. The contract of
7
8 any employee hired on January 1, 2027, and thereafter shall not
8
9 exceed five (5) years.
9
10 SECTION 12. This act shall become effective November 1, 2026.
10
11
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Req. No. 3502 Page 35Every fact on this page links to its source, starting with the official bill record.