HB 1005 requires Oklahoma voters to present photo identification meeting specific criteria - such as matching name, photo, and valid expiration date - to vote in person. It directs Service Oklahoma to create a free photo ID card by January 1, 2027, for registered voters without qualifying ID who provide a voter registration card. Before 2027, county-issued voter ID cards are acceptable; after that date, standard photo ID is mandatory. Voters without ID may cast provisional ballots by signing an affidavit verifying their identity against voter registration records.
HB 1491, concerning education and meetings of the State Board of Education, has been amended to modify specific criteria related to professional conduct. The amendment replaces the broad term "incompetency in the performance of duty" with a more precise requirement: a conviction for offenses listed in Sections 3-104 and 3-104.1 of the title. Additionally, it removes "neglect of any professional duty" as a standalone basis for action. These changes affect the grounds upon which certain professional determinations within the education sector may be made.
This resolution commemorates the 90th anniversary of Black Sunday (April 14, 1935), a devastating dust storm during the Dust Bowl era that profoundly impacted Oklahoma. It formally recognizes Oklahoma's historical commitment to soil conservation and land management practices developed after the disaster. The resolution aims to remind all Oklahomans of the ongoing importance of protecting soil, water, and natural resources, highlighting the state's legacy as a leader in conservation partnerships. (Note: As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding effect or direct policy changes.)
Senate Bill 1114 establishes a new ad valorem (property) tax credit for owners of homestead properties in Oklahoma. This credit applies to properties that qualify for a state constitutional limitation on the growth of their fair cash value. The credit amount is calculated as the difference between the prior year's tax liability and the tax liability in the first year the owner qualified for the growth limitation. Property owners must claim this credit annually by October 1st, and it cannot reduce their tax liability below zero. This measure will apply to tax years 2026 and subsequent years, taking effect on November 1, 2025.
HB 2096 creates a state wildlife habitat program allowing private landowners to enter contracts with Oklahoma’s Wildlife Conservation Department for habitat development projects. Landowners must cover all project costs, and their enrolled land is protected from government seizure (eminent domain) during the contract term and for five years after completion. Landowners may cancel contracts at any time but must repay all state funds used for habitat improvements before cancellation. The program explicitly states the state bears no liability for damages, and the Department may charge participation fees.
HB 2185 requires Oklahoma's Department of Human Services, Office of Juvenile Affairs, and local governments (counties/municipalities) to report suspected crimes against children in their care to law enforcement and follow up every 30 days until resolution. It mandates documenting all actions in the child's file when an employee or contractor of these entities is suspected of committing a crime under Oklahoma law (Sections 1111 or 1123 of Title 21). This procedural bill codifies existing accountability measures for child welfare agencies, directly affecting children under state or local custody and the agencies responsible for their safety. The law takes effect November 1, 2025.
HB 1125 requires Oklahoma's Department of Transportation (DOT) to cover the cost of replacing curbs, inlets, inlet grates, and related drainage components on municipal streets that continue state or federal highways. It applies specifically to cities with populations under 100,000 (per the latest federal census) and excludes mill-and-inlay road projects. The bill mandates the DOT to update its administrative rules to include these repairs in project scopes. This policy change directly affects local municipalities by shifting maintenance costs from cities to the state DOT for qualifying street infrastructure.
HB 1539 lowers Oklahoma's individual income tax rates for the 2024 tax year. It reduces the top tax rate from 5.50% to 4.75% for most filers, with new brackets starting at 0.25% on the first $1,000 of income (e.g., 0.75% on the next $1,500 for single filers). The bill affects all Oklahoma residents and nonresidents who file individual income tax returns, applying to taxable income earned in 2024. The change eliminates the previous tiered top rate structure and requires no deduction for federal income taxes paid.
HB 2185 requires Oklahoma child welfare agencies (Department of Human Services, Office of Juvenile Affairs, and local counties/municipalities) to ensure police investigate suspected crimes against children in their care. If an employee or contractor is suspected of committing a crime against a child under their custody, the agency must follow up with law enforcement every 30 days until the case resolves. Agencies must document all actions in the child’s file. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025, and applies to cases involving crimes under Oklahoma Statutes Sections 1111 or 1123.
HB 1125 requires the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) to pay for and replace curbs, inlets, inlet grates, and related infrastructure on municipal streets that connect to state or federal highways. It directly affects cities with populations under 100,000 (per the latest federal census), as ODOT must now cover these costs instead of municipalities. The bill amends existing law to clarify ODOT’s responsibility for these repairs during highway-related projects and mandates that ODOT update its administrative rules to include curb maintenance in project scopes. The law takes effect on November 1, 2025.
HB 1539 reduces Oklahoma's top individual income tax rate from 5.50% to 4.75% for taxable years beginning January 1, 2024, and beyond. It directly affects all Oklahoma residents and nonresidents filing individual income tax returns, applying the new rate to income above specific thresholds (e.g., $7,250 for single filers and $12,850 for married joint filers). The bill revises tax brackets to lower the top marginal rate while keeping lower brackets unchanged, with the reduction contingent on a State Board of Equalization determination. This change lowers tax liability for most higher-income earners under the current structure.
SB 1090 creates the "Invest In Oklahoma" program, allowing specific state retirement funds and public entities (like the Teachers’ Retirement System and Land Office) to invest up to 5% of their assets in Oklahoma-based private equity, venture capital, and growth funds. The State Treasurer must select qualifying funds using criteria like investment performance, local capitalization, and return rates, while the new Cash Management and Investment Oversight Commission will monitor compliance and reporting. This program aims to direct state investment capital toward Oklahoma businesses and job growth. The bill amends state statutes to establish the program’s rules, fund selection process, and oversight structure, effective upon enactment.
