HB 2792 creates the "Progressing Rural Economic Prosperity Fund" (PREP Fund) as a continuing fund in Oklahoma, meaning it won't expire with fiscal years. The bill ensures specific existing appropriations - totaling $118.85 million from previous legislative sessions - continue funding rural economic projects without being subject to lapse. These funds support projects previously authorized under bills like HB 1016 and HB 1017 (2023), including infrastructure, business development, and community initiatives in rural Oklahoma. The law also allows the Legislature to reallocate funds as needed while preserving the original project allocations.
SB 59 exempts certain nonprofit organizations from paying sales tax when purchasing clothing or supplies for students in need. This applies specifically to organizations providing these items directly to students, such as school-based aid programs or community initiatives supporting vulnerable youth. To qualify, organizations must submit required documentation to claim the exemption. The bill amends Oklahoma's sales tax code to add this specific exemption, effective May 29, 2025, after becoming law without the Governor's signature.
SB 1180 allocates $100,000 from Oklahoma's General Revenue Fund to the Department of Human Services for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, specifically to cover the department's existing legal duties. The funds are drawn from unallocated state money, ensuring immediate availability without creating new programs or changing current responsibilities. The bill includes an emergency declaration to take effect immediately upon passage, allowing the appropriation to be used starting July 1, 2025. This is a routine funding measure that provides financial support for the department's current operations without altering policy.
HB 2110 creates a tax rebate program to attract live-audience sitcom production to Oklahoma. It offers production companies a 20% rebate on qualified local production costs (like wages for Oklahoma-based crew and local expenses) for shows filmed in front of a live audience of at least 50 people. The law defines "qualified production" to include expenses such as local wages, equipment rentals, and soundstage costs, while excluding nonresident above-the-line personnel. This incentive aims to compete with other states by making Oklahoma a strategic hub for sitcom production. The bill became law on May 25, 2025.
HB 2011, titled "Fighting Chance for Firefighters Act," actually expands health insurance benefits for firefighters rather than providing tax credits, as the title incorrectly states. The bill amends Oklahoma Statutes Section 1315 to explicitly include municipal fire departments (organized under 11 O.S. § 29-101) and county fire departments (under 19 O.S. § 351) in the Oklahoma Employees Insurance and Benefits Plans. This allows firefighters employed by these departments to access the same health insurance coverage available to state employees, including continuation of coverage after retirement or termination with eight years of service. The law, enacted without the Governor’s signature on May 27, 2025, directly affects firefighters in local fire departments by improving their access to health insurance benefits.
HB 1663 updates Oklahoma's procedures for selling property to recover unpaid property taxes. It allows counties to conduct tax sales online during the second week of June (instead of only in-person), requiring clear notice of sale details, including property descriptions, tax amounts due, and online auction links. The bill mandates that online sales follow the same rules as in-person sales, including requiring bids to meet at least two-thirds of the property's assessed value or the total unpaid taxes, whichever is lower. This directly affects property owners with delinquent taxes, county treasurers managing sales, and mortgagees who must receive notice of the sale.
HB 1205 repeals Oklahoma's tax credit for small wind turbine installations by removing Section 2357.32B from the state's tax code. This change directly affects small wind turbine owners and installers who previously qualified for the credit. The repeal takes effect on November 1, 2025, eliminating the tax incentive for new installations after that date. The bill is procedural and does not create new policy, only removing an existing tax provision.
HB 1278 creates the Barbara Weber ALS Grant Program within Oklahoma's State Department of Health to provide funding for ALS research and support services for Oklahomans diagnosed with ALS or their caregivers. It establishes a renewable revolving fund in the state treasury, initially funded with $1 million from the General Revenue Fund, to sustain program operations without annual budget constraints. The program requires the State Department of Health to submit annual reports detailing grant recipients, amounts awarded, and fund usage to state legislative leaders. The law became effective July 1, 2025, after passing without the Governor's signature on May 12, 2025.
SB 135 modifies Oklahoma's Aircraft Engine Testing Development Grant Program to include rocket engine testing and expands its purpose to develop broader aerospace infrastructure. The bill creates a dedicated revolving fund (the "Oklahoma Aircraft and Rocket Engine Testing Development Grant Program Revolving Fund") and appropriates $20 million from the General Revenue Fund for fiscal year 2026 to fund one-time grants. Eligible applicants - private, public, or nonprofit entities within Oklahoma - must provide 40% matching funds, industry support documentation, and detailed project proposals. Grants require repayment if terms aren't met and mandate quarterly progress reports. The law became effective July 1, 2025, without gubernatorial signature.
This bill modifies the definition of "basic industry" for Oklahoma's Quality Jobs Program, specifically addressing the relationship between employers and leased or contracted employees. It amends Section 3603 of the Oklahoma Statutes to clarify how certain leased or contracted workers are counted toward program eligibility. The change affects businesses seeking tax incentives under the program by establishing clearer criteria for including leased or contracted employees in job-count calculations. The bill was enacted without the Governor's signature on May 12, 2025. (Note: The provided bill text excerpt focuses on industry classifications but does not explicitly show the modified employee relationship definition; the summary reflects the bill's stated purpose based on its title and context.)
