HB 4273 creates an income tax credit for Oklahoma employees working in the aerospace sector who hold ABET-accredited engineering degrees or are licensed Professional Engineers. It defines "qualified employees" as individuals with such credentials working for "qualified employers" (aerospace businesses or higher education institutions with dedicated aerospace research programs). The credit applies to tuition paid for qualifying engineering programs and is limited to five years per person. This policy directly affects aerospace workers and employers in Oklahoma's aerospace industry by reducing their state income tax liability. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027.
HB 3309 requires the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) to get legislative approval via joint resolution before raising toll rates on any turnpike. It mandates the OTA to adopt new rules by July 1, 2027, creating separate financial accounts for each project and requiring annual public reporting of revenues and costs. The bill also limits tolls on completed turnpike projects to only cover operation, maintenance, and long-term preservation costs once project debts are paid, preventing excess revenue use for other purposes. This directly affects the OTA’s budgeting authority and toll-setting process, impacting drivers who pay turnpike fees.
HB 4426 creates a state income tax credit for businesses making qualified economic development expenditures in specific Oklahoma locations. It allows eligible businesses to claim up to 10% of qualifying construction, equipment, or infrastructure costs (capped at $6 million per project), or up to 50% for rail infrastructure (capped at $3 million). The credit can be assigned to project affiliates like vendors or investors and carried forward for up to five years, with an annual state cap of $12 million. The bill applies to projects in counties under 100,000 population, industrial parks, economic development zones, or near qualifying railroads, effective November 2026.
HB 3043 creates a new category of "seasonal employees" for Oklahoma's Department of Veterans Affairs, defined as unclassified staff working under 1,699 hours annually. These employees will not receive benefits like paid leave, health insurance, retirement, or paid holidays. The bill requires the Department to report annual usage of these positions, including worker counts and total wages, in its budget requests. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.
HB 3661 expands Oklahoma's sales tax exemptions for agricultural products and inputs. It specifically exempts sales of farm-produced goods (like produce and dairy from owner-operated farms), livestock, feed, agricultural fertilizer, machinery, and supplies directly used in farming or ranching operations. The bill requires purchasers to provide written certification confirming items will be used in agricultural production, with false certifications subject to penalties. These exemptions apply only to items used for commercial farming or ranching, not personal gardens or pet-related activities. The changes aim to reduce tax burdens for Oklahoma agricultural producers and their supply chain.
SB 1576 creates a sales tax exemption for retired law enforcement officers in Oklahoma. It directly affects individuals who have retired from law enforcement duty by allowing them to avoid paying sales tax on qualifying purchases. To qualify, applicants must submit a verified application to the Oklahoma Tax Commission, which will issue an exemption card after confirming eligibility. The exemption requires renewal before expiration, and the Commission may establish specific forms and verification rules for the process.
This bill (SJR 35) proposes a constitutional referendum to repeal specific sections of the Oklahoma Constitution that govern ad valorem property taxes. It would eliminate the constitutional basis for property taxes statewide, affecting all property owners and local taxing jurisdictions. The resolution also amends Section 21 of Article X to revise the duties of the State Board of Equalization, removing its role in assessing property valuation. The proposal requires voter approval through a statewide referendum, with the effective date set for January 1, 2031. This is a procedural step to initiate a public vote on constitutional changes, not an immediate policy change.
HB 4190 creates a Cyber Crime and Fraud Unit within Oklahoma's State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) to investigate cyber-enabled crimes, financial fraud, and digital evidence cases. It funds the unit through a one-time $3 million appropriation from general funds and a new $2 annual fee on motor vehicle insurance renewals (collected by insurers and remitted to OSBI). The unit operates within OSBI's existing jurisdiction, using funds for personnel, technology, training, and operations, with all revenues deposited into a dedicated revolving fund. The bill requires OSBI to provide annual reports on fund usage and takes effect November 1, 2026.
This proposed constitutional amendment (HJR 1082) would create partial property tax exemptions for Oklahoma veterans with service-connected disabilities below 100%. It directly affects veterans honorably discharged from military service who have a disability rating of 10% to 99% and are certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The bill establishes specific exemption amounts based on disability percentage: $5,000 for 10-29%, $7,500 for 30-49%, $10,000 for 50-69%, and $12,000 for 70-99%. To qualify, applicants must prove Oklahoma residency and meet existing homestead exemption requirements. The measure requires voter approval as a constitutional amendment.
SB 1823 allows Oklahoma counties with fewer than 200,000 residents to impose up to a 5% tax on hotels, motels, and short-term rentals (excluding hospitals, dorms, and stays over 30 days), but requires voter approval via election or petition before implementation. Tax proceeds must fund specific purposes like tourism promotion, with counties creating dedicated funds to track these revenues. The bill prohibits counties from re-voting on the tax for six months after voter rejection and clarifies that municipal lodging taxes override county taxes within city limits. It takes effect November 1, 2026.
