SB 1398, the "Children's Promise Act," creates an income tax credit for Oklahoma taxpayers who donate to qualifying charities focused on child welfare. The credit equals 50% of the donation (capped at the taxpayer’s total income tax bill) for organizations meeting strict criteria, including being headquartered in Oklahoma, serving children in state custody, preventing abuse/abandonment, or promoting traditional family values. Charities must certify they do not provide, fund, or support abortion services and meet specific local impact requirements. Taxpayers claim the credit on their tax return, and unused credits can be carried forward for up to five years.
This Oklahoma bill (SB 2158) allows residents who use health care sharing ministries to deduct membership fees and administrative costs from their state income tax starting in 2027. It also makes money received from these ministries for medical expenses tax-free. To qualify, individuals must have been active members for at least one month during the tax year. The law expires if Oklahoma stops collecting individual income tax.
SB 102 modifies Oklahoma's income tax code to exclude certain income from nonresident workers who spend limited time in the state. Specifically, it excludes compensation for nonresidents working in Oklahoma for less than 30 days per year if their total earnings from that work are $20,000 or less, effective for tax years starting in 2026. This applies directly to temporary workers, contractors, or short-term business visitors with minimal Oklahoma presence. The change simplifies tax calculations for these individuals by removing their limited-service income from Oklahoma taxable income.
SB 1355 requires Oklahoma's Department of Veterans Affairs to create a program providing headstones or markers for eligible Oklahoma National Guard veterans who died in-state with an honorable discharge. Veterans meeting specific criteria (6+ years service, in-state residency, honorable separation, and not covered by federal law) can receive either a standard headstone/marker or a $200 reimbursement. The program is funded through a new "National Guard Veteran Burial Revolving Fund" in the state treasury, which can use legislative appropriations and donations to cover costs. This law takes effect November 1, 2026.
SB 1389 modifies Oklahoma's Parental Choice Tax Credit Act by increasing annual credit limits for parents or guardians paying qualified education expenses for eligible students. The bill sets income-based maximums: $7,500 for households earning under $75,000, decreasing to $5,000 for households earning over $250,000, with special provisions for schools serving homeless or financially disadvantaged students. It directly affects Oklahoma taxpayers who pay tuition or approved educational expenses (like curriculum, tutoring, or assessments) for students in accredited private schools or qualifying educational programs. The credit applies to tax years 2024 and beyond, with the Oklahoma Tax Commission required to publish specific administrative information. This bill adjusts existing credit limits without changing the program's core structure or eligibility rules.
SB 2115 modifies Oklahoma law to streamline how the Department of Veterans Affairs handles certain funds. It exempts federal funds received from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs from being deposited into the state treasury, allowing direct distribution to veterans. The bill creates the Oklahoma Veterans Assistance Fund, requires electronic quarterly reporting to state leaders, and exempts specific funds from annual spending limits. These changes primarily affect the Department’s financial operations and reporting for veterans' programs.
SB 1858 allows Oklahoma cities and counties to require property owners in designated development zones to enter binding agreements guaranteeing payments for project financing. These payments can secure bonds issued for development costs, with the property itself serving as collateral through liens that take priority over mortgages (but not existing tax liens). The bill ensures such bonds don't count as general municipal debt, limiting repayment solely to the agreed payments and project revenues. Property owners in these designated areas would face direct financial obligations under these agreements, while public entities act as conduits without assuming broader debt liability.
SB 1839 creates a new "de minimis" classification for personal property valued at $5,000 or less, exempting it from annual listing and assessment under Oklahoma's ad valorem tax system. This directly affects homeowners and property owners with low-value personal items (like furniture or small tools) who previously had to report such property annually. The bill amends Sections 2803 and 2817 of Oklahoma's tax code to formally establish this exemption and update related language. It simplifies the tax process for these items without changing tax rates or obligations for higher-value property.
SB 49 adds a new sales tax exemption for nonprofit organizations providing services to abused and neglected children in Oklahoma. The bill amends Oklahoma’s sales tax code to exempt these specific nonprofits from paying sales tax on purchases directly related to their child welfare services. To qualify, organizations must submit required documentation proving their services align with this exemption, which applies to tangible personal property and services used for this purpose. This policy change directly affects eligible child welfare nonprofits by reducing their operational costs.
SB 1393, the RESTORE Act, creates a 50% tax credit for developers converting old, vacant commercial buildings (over 50 years old, vacant for 3+ years, and not eligible for historic tax credits) into residential housing. It directly affects property owners or developers who undertake "adaptive reuse" projects, covering extra renovation costs like environmental cleanup, code compliance, and infrastructure upgrades. The credit is capped at $5 million annually (2027-2037), requires 20% of units to be affordable for 10 years, and allows unused credit to carry forward to future tax years. Projects must meet specific affordability and location criteria, with annual reports tracking housing units and economic impact.
