Bergstrom Introduces Legislation to Increase Transparency in Higher Education Funding

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, has filed Senate Bill 349, a measure aimed at ensuring greater transparency in financial contributions from foreign entities to Oklahoma’s higher education institutions.

Under SB 349, all state and accredited private institutions of higher education in Oklahoma will be required to submit a quarterly report detailing any contracts, gifts, grants, endowments, awards, or donations exceeding $50,000 received from foreign sources. These reports will be made publicly accessible under the Oklahoma Open Records Act.

“This bill is about transparency and accountability,” Bergstrom said. “The public has a right to know where significant funding for our higher education institutions is coming from, especially when it originates from foreign entities. SB 349 ensures that Oklahomans have visibility into these financial relationships.”

The legislation also imposes penalties for noncompliance. Institutions that fail to report qualifying contributions face fines of up to $10,000 per incident, with the fine amount and any unreported funding being deposited into the state’s General Revenue Fund. Additionally, the attorney general is authorized to investigate institutions suspected of noncompliance.

SB 349 can be considered when the legislative session begins on February 3, 2025.

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For more information, contact: Sen. Micheal Bergstrom at 405-521-5561 or email Micheal.Bergstrom@oksenate.gov