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.
SB 1530 requires the Oklahoma Department of Commerce to verify that businesses claiming research and development rebates actually conducted eligible research within Oklahoma. It affects companies seeking rebates equal to 5% of their qualified research expenses, with a $20 million annual cap on total payments. The bill mandates that businesses submit applications and documentation for verification before receiving rebates, and if funds are insufficient, payments are prorated or carried over to future years. This amendment updates existing rules for the Oklahoma Research and Development Rebate Fund, effective July 1, 2026.
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 3595 creates a permanent "Safer Counties Revolving Fund" within Oklahoma's State Treasury, managed by the Department of Public Safety. This fund, financed by existing legislative appropriations to the Department, provides grants to all Oklahoma counties to purchase public safety and traffic barrier equipment. Counties must use these funds solely for public safety purposes and cannot divert them to other uses. The fund operates without annual budget restrictions, allowing ongoing disbursements for safety equipment purchases.
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.
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.
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment (HJR 1081) that would eliminate the income requirement for Oklahoma seniors to qualify for a property tax limit on their homesteads. Currently, seniors aged 65+ must meet an income threshold based on HUD median income for their area; this amendment removes that requirement while keeping the age, 7-year occupancy, and $700,000 property value cap. It would apply only to homesteads valued at $700,000 or less, with the tax limit frozen at the value when the owner turned 65 (or January 1, 1997, for those already eligible before 1997). The change requires voter approval via a ballot measure.
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.
