SB 1122 requires Oklahoma's State Board of Equalization to assess property used for **wired broadband service** (offering internet over 100 Mbps download/20 Mbps upload) at a **15% tax rate** for tax years 2026-2036. It applies only to infrastructure in areas with **less than 10% broadband coverage** (per FCC maps) and exclusively to property used for broadband, excluding other services like video streaming. The bill amends tax code to define "broadband service providers" and mandates this specific assessment ratio for qualifying assets, including fiber, cables, and network infrastructure. This policy directly affects **wired broadband providers** expanding service in underserved rural or low-coverage regions.
HB 3711 requires Oklahoma school districts with websites to publicly disclose detailed spending data on their websites, including all state, federal, and local funds used for instruction, administration, and other purposes. It specifically mandates that districts display the percentage of total spending allocated to "instructional expenditures" (defined as funds directly supporting teaching, per the National Center for Education Statistics) on their homepage. This applies to all school districts with websites, requiring them to post this information alongside full expenditure details like budgeted vs. actual costs and superintendent compensation. The bill aims to increase transparency for parents and the public about how school funds are spent.
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to establish the "Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust Fund" for Oklahoma's tobacco settlement funds. It requires that at least 75% of new tobacco settlement payments (after 2001) be deposited into this trust fund, with specific percentages increasing over time. The trust fund's earnings must be used for cancer research, tobacco prevention programs, children's health initiatives, senior care programs, and education-related expenses, with unused funds remaining in the trust. The amendment creates two governing boards to manage investments and allocate funds, and it would require voter approval before taking effect.
HB 3704 directs Oklahoma to participate in a federal income tax credit program allowing individuals to claim a credit for donations to scholarship granting organizations (SGOs). The bill requires the Governor to certify Oklahoma's participation to the U.S. Treasury and designates the Oklahoma Tax Commission to register SGOs, maintain their lists, and handle federal reporting. This enables Oklahoma taxpayers to claim the federal credit for qualifying donations, while coordinating with Oklahoma's existing state tax credit for SGO contributions. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and remains in place until changed by law or federal policy.
HB 3708 modifies Oklahoma's tax credit system to expand education-related incentives. It creates three tax credit options: 50% of contributions (up to $1,000 for individuals, $2,000 for joint filers, or $100,000 for businesses) to scholarship-granting organizations, educational improvement grant organizations, or public school foundations/districts. A 75% credit is available for donors who commit to contributing the same amount for two consecutive years. Organizations receiving funds must annually submit audited financial reports to the Oklahoma Tax Commission and publicly share program outcomes. The bill directly affects individual taxpayers, businesses, and eligible education-focused nonprofits.
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to create a five-year property tax exemption for new or expanded manufacturing facilities in Oklahoma, aiming to encourage businesses to locate or grow within the state. The exemption applies to qualifying manufacturing concerns that are new to the state or relocating, and it specifically covers expansions of existing facilities. To prevent financial harm to other local governments, the bill requires the Legislature to establish reimbursement systems for schools, counties, cities, and other entities that lose revenue due to the tax exemption, and it ensures these reimbursement amounts count toward debt limits for local governments. After the five-year exemption period ends, counties may retain up to 25% of the new property taxes generated from previously exempted facilities to fund additional economic development and job creation.
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 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 3314 allows Oklahoma counties to impose a local tax of up to 15% on retail marijuana sales (not personal cultivation) after voter approval. Counties must hold a special election or use an initiative petition (requiring 5% of registered voters' signatures) to approve the tax, with results requiring a majority vote. Funds collected must be used exclusively for public safety (sheriffs, police, fire departments) and property improvements, and counties must specify the tax's purpose and duration to voters. The Oklahoma Tax Commission will handle tax collection for a 0.5% fee, and counties must provide 60 days' notice before rate changes. The bill takes effect November 1, 2026.
