HB 1438 sets a monetary cap of $150,000 to $350,000 per entity per year for grants under Oklahoma's Rural Economic Action Plan program, which funds water quality projects like sewer line repairs, water treatment, and infrastructure improvements. The bill prioritizes small cities (under 1,750 population) and those with weaker fiscal capacity, while restricting eligibility to cities/towns under 7,000 population (based on census data) and unincorporated areas under 7,000. It requires the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to distribute all funds without administrative retention, establish separate accounts for specific economic development districts, and eliminate matching fund requirements for recipients.
This bill amends the Oklahoma Tourism Development Act to increase the cumulative inducement amount that can be provided annually for tourism promotion. It directly affects state agencies responsible for developing and marketing Oklahoma as a travel destination. The key provision allows for a higher annual budget allocation to incentivize tourism growth through financial incentives. The bill became law on May 7, 2025, without requiring the Governor's signature.
SB 600 increases court filing fees in Oklahoma by adding new mandatory assessments to existing civil case fees. It requires an additional $6 for the Law Library Fund, $25 for the Court Information System, $5-$10 for court-appointed child advocates (OCASA), and $2 split between judicial complaint and interpreter services funds. These new fees apply to all civil court filings, including common cases like divorce ($183 base fee) and small claims ($150 base fee), with the exception of those qualifying for fee waivers due to poverty. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025, and includes a temporary $10 fee for court records preservation until November 2027.
HB 1392 increases the fee county treasurers charge for certifying mortgages from $5 to $10 per mortgage. This fee, paid by mortgage borrowers, lenders, or other interested parties, will be deposited into a dedicated "County Treasurer's Mortgage Certification Fee Account" and used solely for operating the treasurer's office. The bill modifies existing mortgage tax rates based on loan term length but focuses the main change on the certification fee increase. It becomes effective November 1, 2025.
SB 37 would have authorized the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) to independently respond to mass casualty events caused by violent crime (defined as incidents injuring ≥3 people, requiring unusual emergency resources, and causing a sudden surge of casualties) without needing a local law enforcement request. It created a "Mass Casualty Revolving Fund" in the state treasury to cover OSBI costs for these investigations, funded by state appropriations, federal grants, or other designated sources. The fund would allow ongoing, unrestricted spending for OSBI's role in coordinating with local agencies during such events. This bill was vetoed by the Governor on May 5, 2025, so it did not become law.
SB 469 modifies eligibility requirements for Oklahoma's Emission Reduction Technology Rebate Program, which provides up to 25% rebates for businesses implementing qualifying emission-reduction projects within the state. The bill clarifies submission deadlines (requiring documentation within six months after fiscal year-end completion) and adds a preliminary review process for applications before project funding is spent. It also specifies that applicants must have filed all required Oklahoma tax returns and maintain $1 million general liability insurance with workers' compensation coverage. The changes apply to businesses seeking rebates administered by the Department of Environmental Quality and Oklahoma Tax Commission, using funds from dedicated revolving funds. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.
HB 2590 requires Oklahoma's Office of Management and Enterprise Services to create a standardized form for state agencies evaluating vendors managing federal funds. This form must include specific vendor details like legal name, incorporation jurisdiction, principal officers' names, prior federal fund management experience, recent financial audits, and pending lawsuits. It directly affects state agencies contracting with external vendors for federal fund management. The bill mandates this form be used starting July 1, 2025, to standardize vendor vetting processes.
SB 304 modifies Oklahoma's individual income tax structure for the 2024 tax year. It establishes new tax brackets with lower rates (0.25% to 4.75% for single filers, 0.25% to 4.75% for married couples filing jointly) compared to prior years, replacing older rates. The bill also limits certain personal exemptions to specific tax years and adjusts standard deduction amounts. These changes directly affect all Oklahoma residents filing individual income tax returns for 2024. The bill updates statutory references and language but does not create new taxes.
SB 1114 creates a property tax credit for Oklahoma homeowners with qualifying homesteads who meet the existing "limitation on growth of fair cash value" under state law. The credit equals the difference between a homeowner's current year property tax and the prior year's tax, but only if the current tax is lower. County assessors must deduct this credit from the tax bill by October 1 annually, though the credit cannot reduce taxes below zero. The credit applies starting tax year 2026 and is codified in Oklahoma Statutes. It directly affects qualifying homestead property owners by potentially lowering their annual property tax burden.
HB 1539 lowers Oklahoma's individual income tax rates for the 2024 tax year. It reduces the top tax rate from 5.50% to 4.75% for most filers, with new brackets starting at 0.25% on the first $1,000 of income (e.g., 0.75% on the next $1,500 for single filers). The bill affects all Oklahoma residents and nonresidents who file individual income tax returns, applying to taxable income earned in 2024. The change eliminates the previous tiered top rate structure and requires no deduction for federal income taxes paid.
