Higher education; creating the Making College More Affordable Act; prohibitions; research universities; meal plans; effective date; emergency.

HB 2197, the "Making College More Affordable Act," prohibits Oklahoma public universities from requiring students to purchase meal plans as a condition for enrollment or on-campus housing. The bill directly affects students at institutions within the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education, removing a mandatory cost tied to enrollment or housing. Key provisions ban institutions from making meal plan purchases necessary for either registering for classes or securing dormitory accommodation. The law takes effect on July 1, 2025, and was passed with strong legislative support (68-18) in March 2025.