HIGHER EDUCATION
OKLAHOMA 2024 SESSION LAW SERVICE Fifty-Ninth Legislature, 2024 Second Regular Session
2024 Okla. Sess. Law Serv. Ch. 117 (H.B. 4050) (WEST)
OKLAHOMA 2024 SESSION LAW SERVICE
Fifty-Ninth Legislature, 2024 Second Regular Session
CHAPTER 117
H.B. No. 4050
HIGHER EDUCATION
An Act relating to higher education; amending 70 O.S. 2021, Section 4104, which relates to degrees from private educational institutions; providing an exemption for certain religious degrees; requiring use of a religious modifier; providing an effective date; and declaring an emergency.
SUBJECT: Higher education
BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA:
<< OK ST T. 70 ยง 4104 >>
SECTION 1. AMENDATORY 70 O.S. 2021, Section 4104, is amended to read as follows:
Section 4104. A. A private educational institution shall grant only those degrees authorized by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education unless approved otherwise by a national or regional accrediting agency which is recognized by the Secretary of the United States Department of Education as a reliable authority as to the quality of education or training offered by institutions of higher education for the purposes of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended.
B. 1. This section shall not apply to religious degrees which are used solely for religious purposes within a religious organization or any institution of higher education whose primary purpose is to provide religious training or theological education and which is exempt from taxation pursuant to the provisions of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C., Section 501(c)(3).
2. Each degree title offered pursuant to this subsection shall include a religious modifier. The religious modifier shall be placed on the degree, on the transcript, and wherever the title of the degree appears in official school documents or publications.
SECTION 2. This act shall become effective July 1, 2024.
SECTION 3. It being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health or safety, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, by reason whereof this act shall take effect and be in full force from and after its passage and approval.
Approved April 23, 2024.
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