SB 1319 creates a dedicated "Corporation Commission Plugging Fund" to address environmental and safety issues from oil and gas operations. The fund must maintain $5 million, with additional taxes collected if it falls below this level until replenished (effective until July 2031). It establishes a new program allowing homeowners contaminated by brine or oil from *abandoned wells* (as defined by law) to apply for financial assistance from the fund without needing prior insurance claims. The Corporation Commission will determine assistance amounts and create rules to manage applications and verify contamination sources.
HB 1370 establishes a "Corporation Commission Plugging Fund" to address seeping natural gas and environmental safety issues related to oil and gas operations. The bill requires the fund to maintain $5 million, and if it falls below this level, an additional excise tax on oil and gas will be imposed until replenished. It specifies that 10.526% of oil excise tax revenue and 10.5555% of natural gas excise tax revenue must be allocated to this fund, with the remaining portions going to the General Revenue Fund and the Interstate Oil Compact Fund. The bill extends the fund's sunset date from 2026 to 2031, ensuring continued funding for these environmental response efforts.
SB 258 creates a dedicated fund called the "Major Collector Routes Fund" in Oklahoma's state treasury to support county transportation projects. It directly affects Oklahoma counties, which can apply for grants to improve roads and bridges through a competitive program. The fund uses state budget money (not new taxes) to pay for projects evaluated on safety, innovation, necessity for public use, and features like traffic safety or school bus routes. Counties must contribute financially to projects to qualify, and funds are available continuously without annual budget limits.
SB 1832 reauthorizes Oklahoma taxpayers' ability to donate a portion of their state income tax refund to two veterans programs. It extends the option for donations to fund the Indigent Veteran Burial Program (reimbursing up to $500 per veteran, capped at $20,000 annually) and the Veterans Affairs Equipment and Capital Improvement Program (funding equipment purchases and facility projects). The bill updates the covered tax years (2017-2020 and 2026 onward for burial; 1994-2008 and 2026 onward for equipment) and establishes revolving funds administered by the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs. These funds, held in the state treasury, are dedicated to specific veteran services with clear spending limits, and donations remain optional for taxpayers.
SB 1410 requires Oklahoma's Department of Agriculture to operate an "Ag in the Classroom" program for K-12 students in both rural and urban schools, developing curriculum and providing teacher training. The bill mandates that the department may offer incentives like recognition, project funds, or certificates to teachers using the program. It increases funding by raising the fee from $24 to $27 per Agricultural Awareness license plate deposited into the program's revolving fund, with excess funds specifically allocated for expanding the program into urban schools. The program must be run directly by the Department of Agriculture, with cooperation from the State Department of Education and Oklahoma State University Extension. The bill takes effect November 1, 2026.
HB 3413 requires Oklahoma state agencies to submit detailed annual budget requests by October 1 each year, including specific data on program needs, contractor details, and consultant reports. Agencies must publicly post final consultant reports on the state purchasing website and provide information on shared financial services costs to identify potential savings. The bill mandates standardized reporting formats covering program outcomes, staffing, revenue estimates, and capital lease debt for the current and next two fiscal years. It directly affects all state agencies (excluding higher education institutions) by increasing transparency in budget planning and spending oversight. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.
HB 3986 modernizes Oklahoma's gross production tax for oil, gas, and mineral production. It sets a 7% tax rate on most oil and gas production (increasing from previous rates), with a temporary 5% rate for wells spudded before the law's effective date for 36 months. The bill creates tax exemptions for 5 years for secondary/tertiary recovery projects (approved after July 2022) and offers a 50% tax reduction for 36 months on production from orphaned wells (requiring a $25,000 bond per well). Producers of oil/gas using recycled water for well completion also get a 24-month exemption proportional to recycled water use. Refunds for exempt production are capped annually at $15 million for recovery projects and $10 million for recycled water projects.
SB 201 establishes a mandatory minimum salary schedule for Oklahoma public school teachers beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. It sets specific annual salary floors based on years of experience and education level (e.g., $50,000 for a bachelor's degree with 0 experience), requiring school districts to meet these amounts through salary or fringe benefits. The bill defines "fringe benefits" to include retirement contributions (excluding certain state-mandated portions) and mandates written notice to teachers if districts propose salaries below the minimum. It also standardizes how teaching experience (including out-of-state, military, or Department of Defense service) is counted for salary increments, while prohibiting credit for more than five years of such experience.
SB 1379 establishes a two-year pilot program through Oklahoma's Attorney General's Office to provide grants to private nonprofit organizations supporting victims of sexual and labor trafficking. The program funds specific services like emergency shelter, mental health counseling, legal assistance, job training, and medical care - directly benefiting trafficking victims through partner organizations. Eligible organizations must demonstrate experience serving trafficking victims, maintain confidentiality, and use grants primarily for direct services (not exceeding 15% for administrative costs). Recipients must submit quarterly reports on services provided and outcomes, with the Attorney General compiling annual program evaluations for state leaders. The bill expands allowable uses of the Victims of Human Trafficking Fund to support this initiative.
HB 4118 proposes a tax credit for Oklahoma caregivers of eligible family members. It allows a 50% credit on qualifying expenses - such as medical travel mileage, home modifications, medical equipment, and hiring aides - for caregivers with income under $50,000 (or $100,000 for couples) caring for someone aged 62+ who needs help with two or more daily living tasks (like bathing, dressing, or eating). The credit caps at $2,000 annually per family, rising to $3,000 if the care recipient is a veteran or has dementia. The total annual credit pool is limited to $1.5 million, with unused funds adjusted yearly. If passed, it would take effect November 1, 2026.
