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 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.
HB 2646 eliminates a limitation on taxpayers deducting wagering income when calculating Oklahoma taxable income, directly affecting individuals and businesses claiming such deductions. The bill amends Oklahoma Statute 68 O.S. § 2358 to allow full itemization of wagering income without prior restrictions. It also updates statutory references and adjusts tax year calculations for net operating losses. The bill was referred to the Governor but received a pocket veto on June 15, 2025, meaning it did not become law.
HB 2645 creates a tax credit for qualifying doctors practicing medicine in rural Oklahoma, directly affecting licensed physicians who meet specific residency and education criteria. The credit, capped at $20,000 per year per doctor, applies to taxable income from medical practice in designated rural areas (population under 25,000 and at least 25 miles from larger cities). The bill includes an annual $1 million total credit limit, with adjustments to prevent exceeding this cap. The bill was pocket-vetoed by the governor on June 15, 2025, and never became law.
HB 1378 would have expanded Oklahoma's sales tax exemptions for agriculture by adding timber to the definition of "agricultural products." This change would have exempted sales of timber (including timber products used in farming) from sales tax, directly affecting Oklahoma agricultural businesses, farmers, and timber producers. The bill amended existing tax code provisions that already exempted farm products, livestock, feed, fertilizer, machinery, and other agricultural supplies. However, the bill was vetoed by the Governor on June 10, 2025, and did not become law.
HB 2753 expands Oklahoma's Rural Jobs Act by adding a new $200 million annual pool of state tax credits for rural investments, effective July 1, 2025, beyond the existing $15 million annual cap. The bill requires that at least 10% of each investment must come from local sources like employees or affiliates, and sets a 90-day deadline for rural funds to secure capital after certification. It also establishes a 15-business-day timeline for the Department to determine if a business qualifies for investment, with automatic eligibility if no decision is made by day 20. This expansion aims to increase funding for rural economic development projects by making more tax credits available to eligible businesses and rural investment funds.
HB 2610 increases Oklahoma's tax credit for nonrecurring adoption expenses from 10% to 15% of eligible costs, raising the maximum annual credit to $3,000 for single filers or married individuals filing separately, and $6,000 for married couples filing jointly. The credit applies to Oklahoma resident taxpayers who pay for adoption-related expenses such as fees, court costs, medical expenses, and travel, but excludes attorney fees in contested adoptions and home renovations. The Oklahoma Tax Commission will establish rules for verifying qualifying expenses. This change takes effect January 1, 2026.
SB 324 creates the Oklahoma Research and Development Rebate Fund to provide businesses with a 5% reimbursement for qualified research expenses incurred within the state. Eligible businesses must submit applications demonstrating research activities occurred in Oklahoma and have filed all required state tax returns. The program, administered by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, reimburses up to $20 million annually, with payments prorated if demand exceeds available funds. This directly affects businesses conducting research in Oklahoma that claim expenses on federal Form 6765.
HB 2260 creates tax credits for Oklahoma civil engineering employers and employees to encourage hiring and retention. Employers can claim credits for 50% of tuition reimbursed to new hires (first 4 years) or 5-10% of compensation paid (first 5 years), capped at $12,500 annually per employee. Employees may claim up to $5,000 yearly in tax credits for 5 years, based on their degree location (in-state vs. out-of-state). The credits apply to qualified employees with ABET-accredited degrees or Professional Engineer licenses, employed by eligible engineering firms starting January 1, 2026, through 2030. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025, with all credits expiring after 2030.
HB 2374 creates a film production rebate program in Oklahoma for productions meeting specific filming requirements. It provides rebates to eligible film and television productions that film at least 75% of a season or pilot within the state, based on qualifying local spending like wages for Oklahoma residents or crew. The program, administered by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and Tax Commission, requires applicants to verify payments to local crew, vendors, and tax compliance. Productions must submit annual reports detailing rebate payments to legislative committees. The bill directly affects film studios, production companies, and local crew members who qualify under its spending and filming criteria.
