Oklahoma Senate Bill 227 modifies tax exemptions for oil and gas producers by limiting eligibility for gross production tax refunds to specific years (2005-2013 and 2022-2024). It caps annual refunds at $12.5 million for 2015-2016 and $10 million for 2022-2024, requiring producers to qualify as "economically at-risk" leases based on production volume and profitability thresholds. Producers must submit documentation to the Oklahoma Tax Commission to claim refunds for prior-year production, with claims due by the bill’s effective date for 2024. The bill directly affects oil/gas operators seeking refunds on past production under these revised rules.
HB 3024 establishes a 10% annual cap on salary increases and bonuses for most state employees in executive branch agencies, requiring cabinet secretary approval for any increase exceeding this limit. It mandates that agencies set performance metrics for bonus eligibility and document salary adjustments above 10% due to role changes or performance reviews. The bill excludes executive directors, positions requiring advanced degrees or state licenses (like doctors and engineers), and employees of higher education systems or school districts from these limits. These provisions take effect July 1, 2026, with the Office of Management and Enterprise Services overseeing implementation.
HB 4340 would add a sales tax exemption for the sale of "frack water" (wastewater from oil and gas extraction) in Oklahoma. This exemption would directly affect oil and gas companies and vendors selling this wastewater, eliminating the sales tax on such transactions. The bill amends Oklahoma's sales tax code to include this specific exemption under existing tax exemption categories. The policy change would reduce tax burdens for businesses involved in handling oil and gas extraction wastewater. The bill is currently pending in the Appropriations and Budget Natural Resources Subcommittee.
HB 2021 creates the Oklahoma Kids After-School Grant Program (OKAGP) under the Department of Human Services to fund community-based organizations running after-school programs for K-12 students. Eligible organizations must operate at least five locations across Oklahoma (either directly or through partnerships) and qualify for exemptions from child care licensing under Title 10. The bill establishes a revolving fund in the State Treasury for these grants, funded by state appropriations and donations, with no annual budget restrictions. The program becomes effective November 1, 2025, and will provide grants to support after-school programming for children.
HB 4490 creates the Oklahoma Families Thriving Everywhere Now (OFTEN) program through the Oklahoma State Department of Health, using $3 million in state funds for the 2027 fiscal year. The program provides telecare support, community outreach, and care coordination for women with high-risk pregnancies and parents of children under three, aiming to promote healthy childbirth, stable family formation, and economic self-sufficiency. Services include referrals, case management, and parenting assistance delivered by Oklahoma-based community providers. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, and includes an emergency declaration to accelerate implementation.
HB 3984 creates the "Oklahoma Talent Attraction and Relocation Program" under the Oklahoma Department of Commerce to award grants for recruiting households relocating to Oklahoma from outside the state. It directly affects cities, towns, counties, and nonprofits (as grant applicants) and households earning at least $55,000 annually who move into Oklahoma. Key provisions include a $250,000 annual grant limit per municipality, requiring applicants to cover 20% of program costs, tying 50% of funds to meeting half the household relocation goal, and mandating detailed reports on program outcomes. The bill establishes a revolving fund to reuse repayments and unused grant money for ongoing administration.
HB 3178 changes how farm equipment and tractors are valued for property tax in Oklahoma. It requires county assessors to apply a specific 25% annual depreciation schedule: 75% of original cost in year one, 50% in year two, 25% in year three, and zero value from year four onward. This applies to equipment used in agricultural production on farms owned, leased, or operated by the owner. The bill affects Oklahoma farmers who own qualifying equipment by reducing their property tax burden after three years. It takes effect January 1, 2027.
HB 1834 creates the "Inhofe Disaster Savings Account Act" in Oklahoma, allowing homeowners to set up tax-advantaged savings accounts specifically for covering insurance deductibles or self-insured losses related to qualifying disasters (hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, etc.) at their primary residence. Homeowners can deduct contributions from state taxable income (with limits based on their insurance deductible: $2,000 max for deductibles ≤$1,000, up to $15,000 or twice the deductible for higher deductibles, or $350,000 for self-insured), and all interest earned in the account is exempt from state income tax. Withdrawals are tax-free if used for qualified disaster expenses (declared by federal/state authorities), but otherwise become taxable income with a 2.5% penalty, and accounts pass tax-free to surviving spouses upon death. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, targeting Oklahoma homeowners seeking disaster financial preparedness.
HB 2645 creates a tax credit for qualifying doctors practicing medicine in rural Oklahoma, directly affecting licensed physicians who meet specific residency and education criteria. The credit, capped at $20,000 per year per doctor, applies to taxable income from medical practice in designated rural areas (population under 25,000 and at least 25 miles from larger cities). The bill includes an annual $1 million total credit limit, with adjustments to prevent exceeding this cap. The bill was pocket-vetoed by the governor on June 15, 2025, and never became law.
SB 324 creates the Oklahoma Research and Development Rebate Fund to provide businesses with a 5% reimbursement for qualified research expenses incurred within the state. Eligible businesses must submit applications demonstrating research activities occurred in Oklahoma and have filed all required state tax returns. The program, administered by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, reimburses up to $20 million annually, with payments prorated if demand exceeds available funds. This directly affects businesses conducting research in Oklahoma that claim expenses on federal Form 6765.
