HB1980 Summary

• Creates the Oklahoma Higher Education Fair Admissions Act to ensure equitable admission opportunities regardless of criminal history under specified conditions.

• Prohibits Oklahoma higher education institutions from inquiring about an applicant's criminal history if the applicant is an online-only student who will not reside on campus.

• Prohibits all institutions of higher education from asking applicants any questions regarding prior behavioral conduct as a juvenile.

• Assigns the Oklahoma Regents for Higher Education authority to oversee and enforce the act, with violating institutions subject to penalties including fines and loss of state funding.

• Declares an emergency, making the act effective upon passage and approval.