HB 2024, the Oklahoma Space Renaissance Act, allocates $51.3 million in state funds to support Oklahoma's space industry development. The bill directs $35 million for infrastructure at the Oklahoma Air and Space Port to enable spacecraft testing and launches, and $15 million for a microgravity research consortium focused on commercial science projects in Oklahoma City. It also provides $1.3 million for the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority to carry out its duties. The funding is intended for fiscal year 2026, with the bill effective July 1, 2025.
HB 1221 creates "SAFE Accounts" in Oklahoma’s State Treasury to manage specific federal funds received by state agencies. It requires agencies to seek legislative approval (via concurrent resolution) before accessing funds from competitive grants, federal relief payments, or block grants, and mandates detailed reporting to the Legislature about grant applications and funding purposes. Existing federal programs already managed by agencies as of January 1, 2025, are excluded from these requirements unless they involve competitive grants needing reapplication after November 2025. The bill also establishes deadlines for submitting notices and holding hearings on new federal funding sources, effective July 1, 2025, for block grants and November 1, 2025, for competitive grants.
HB 1760 creates tax credits for Oklahoma taxpayers who contribute to eligible scholarship-granting or educational improvement organizations. It allows a 50% tax credit (up to $1,000 for individuals, $2,000 for married couples, $100,000 for businesses) on contributions, increasing to 75% for those making a multi-year commitment with written proof. The bill also modifies how credits are allocated to business owners and requires annual financial reporting from participating organizations. These credits are subject to annual caps established by the Oklahoma Tax Commission.
HB 1104 allows Oklahoma counties with fewer than 200,000 residents to levy a 3% lodging tax on hotels and motels (excluding campsites) to fund county-owned tourism facilities. The tax requires voter approval via election or petition and must be deposited exclusively into a dedicated tourism fund, not general county revenue. Counties may not impose this tax within municipalities that already collect their own lodging tax. The bill specifies the tax must fund tourism promotion, advertising, or facility development, with proceeds restricted to these purposes only. It becomes effective November 1, 2025, pending voter approval.
HB 2033 creates a revolving fund called the "Community Health Center Access to Care Revolving Fund" within Oklahoma's State Department of Health. The fund, not limited by fiscal years, will use appropriated monies to increase access to care at federally authorized community health centers (as defined under 42 U.S.C. §330). The Department of Health can spend these funds to support such centers, with expenditures requiring State Treasurer warrants based on approved claims. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and was declared an emergency to allow immediate implementation.
HB 2740 amends Oklahoma's individual income tax structure for tax years beginning January 1, 2026. It reduces the top marginal tax rate from 5.50% to 4.75% for all taxable income above specific thresholds, applying to both single filers and married couples filing jointly. The bill establishes new, lower tax brackets: for example, single filers pay 0.25% on the first $1,000, 0.75% on the next $1,500, and 4.75% on all remaining income. This change affects all Oklahoma residents and nonresidents filing state income tax returns, with no federal tax deduction allowed.
HB 2841 amends Oklahoma's management rules for the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust Fund, directly affecting the fund and its Board of Investors. It requires the Board to invest fund assets using "prudent person" standards, diversify investments to minimize risk, and hire investment managers through competitive bidding. The bill mandates that at least 2% of the fund's principal balance or $40 million (whichever is greater) must be spent annually on grant and incentive programs. The changes take effect July 1, 2025.
HB 1198 adds a $1,000 property tax break for Oklahoma homeowners with household income under $30,000 annually. It directly affects low-income primary homeowners (defined as those maintaining a home and providing for household necessities) by exempting $1,000 of their property's assessed value from taxes. Homeowners must apply yearly by March 15 (or within 30 days of a valuation notice) and certify income, which includes most earnings like Social Security but excludes veterans' benefits and pandemic relief payments. Seniors aged 65+ who previously qualified do not need annual applications but must report income exceeding $30,000 to maintain the exemption.
HB 1267 adjusts Oklahoma's individual income tax rates for tax years beginning in 2024. It lowers the top marginal tax rate from 5.50% to 4.75% for most taxpayers (single filers and married couples filing jointly), creating new tax brackets starting at 0.25% for lower income levels. The bill eliminates deductions for federal income taxes when calculating Oklahoma taxable income. These changes affect all Oklahoma residents and nonresidents filing state income tax returns for 2024 and subsequent years, with the top rate reduction contingent on a State Board of Equalization determination.
HB 1258 creates a new defined contribution retirement plan for Oklahoma teachers hired on or after November 1, 2024. Teachers must make a one-time irrevocable election to join this plan, which replaces the existing defined benefit system for them; those who don’t elect it default to the current retirement system. Employees contribute a mandatory minimum of 4.5% of salary, with employers matching 6% (increasing to 7% if employees contribute more), all managed in tax-qualified retirement accounts. The plan prevents accrual of service credits under the old system, and participation is binding for all future service with participating employers.
