Income tax; providing credit for eligible dependent children; stipulating credit amount. Effective date.

SB 309 creates an Oklahoma income tax credit for married couples with dependent children under 19 who qualify for federal dependent status. The credit amount ranges from $500 (for couples married 1-5 years) to $2,000 (for couples married 15+ years) per child, based on marriage duration. Credits are capped at $10,000 for joint filers and $5,000 for separate filers, cannot reduce tax liability below zero, and unused portions may be carried forward for up to five years. This bill directly affects married couples filing jointly or separately with qualifying children, excluding single-parent households.