Higher education; state educational institutions; general maintenance fund for buildings; new construction; State Regents for Higher Education; state-appropriated funds; noncompliance; effective date; emergency.

HB 3709 requires Oklahoma state colleges and universities building new structures to set aside 5% of construction costs into a dedicated general maintenance fund for building upkeep. This fund must be used solely for routine maintenance (not new construction) and cannot replace existing maintenance funding levels. The State Regents for Higher Education must withhold state funds from institutions that fail to comply and conduct annual audits to ensure adherence. The law applies to all state educational institutions within Oklahoma's higher education system constructing new buildings.