HB 1024 amends Oklahoma's Unfair Sales Act by removing the requirement for retailers to include a 6% markup when calculating "cost to the retailer" for pricing purposes. This change directly affects retailers and wholesalers operating in Oklahoma, simplifying how they determine base costs for goods. The bill deletes specific language about adding a 6% markup to cover business costs, streamlining the definition of "cost to the retailer" in the statute. The amendment takes effect on November 1, 2025.
HB 2205 amends Oklahoma law to clarify who can officiate marriage ceremonies. The bill adds "deacon, elder of the Gospel, priest" to the list of authorized religious leaders allowed to perform weddings, replacing prior language that included "deacon, elder" and "priest" in a different phrasing. This change directly affects religious leaders in Oklahoma who wish to legally conduct marriage ceremonies. The amendment specifies the exact titles recognized under state law for officiating weddings, without altering marriage eligibility or rights.
HB 2402 creates a tax incentive program to attract manufacturers of low-grade waste heat electrification technology (which recovers heat below 200°C for energy use) to Oklahoma. Eligible manufacturers investing $10 million+ with 50+ jobs receive up to 30% corporate tax abatement for 5 years (Tier 1), or $20 million+ with 100+ jobs for up to 50% (Tier 2), both renewable for another 5 years. The program also provides up to $20 million in direct grants over 5 years, prioritizing projects in federal New Markets Tax Credit areas or existing manufacturing hubs, with annual spending capped at $8 million. Manufacturers must submit business plans, job commitments, and report annually on investments and job creation, while the state must collaborate with educational institutions to develop workforce training. The program expires on July 1, 2030.
Senate Bill 1020 exempts the Office of the State Treasurer from standard state agency property transaction rules. It allows the Treasurer's Office to purchase or lease real property without following the usual requirements for other state agencies, such as obtaining appraisals over $25, publishing sale notices, or securing prior approval from the Office of Management and Enterprise Services. This change directly affects the Treasurer's Office by streamlining its property acquisition process. The bill amends existing statutes to specifically remove these procedural barriers for the Treasurer's Office only.
SB 572 ends Oklahoma's technology business financing program operated by the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST) effective November 1, 2025. It requires all remaining program funds and annual payments (like royalties or fees) to be transferred to the State Treasurer for the General Revenue Fund. This directly affects OCAST, which must cease program operations, and businesses that previously received financing or were required to pay royalties under the program. The bill makes no changes to program eligibility or new funding, only terminating the existing program and redirecting its remaining resources.
SB 237 requires Oklahoma's Commissioners of the Land Office to pay counties a yearly property tax equivalent when they own more than 10% of a county's land (by acreage) and are starting or renewing a lease on that land. The payment equals the county's current agricultural property tax rate per acre, as determined by the county assessor. County assessors must share this rate with the Land Office by September 1 each year, and the Land Office must pay the county by December 31. This payment is included in the minimum bid requirement for new or renewed leases. The bill takes effect January 1, 2026.
SB 1035 limits penalties for construction licensing violations in Oklahoma. It caps fines at $2,000 per violation for home inspectors and $1,000 per day for noncompliance with board orders. The bill requires educational materials for first-time offenders and mandates non-adversarial meetings to help them comply with licensing rules, rather than immediately imposing fines. These changes apply to licensed contractors, inspectors, and roofing professionals who violate construction licensing laws. The bill aims to reduce financial penalties while emphasizing education and compliance support for initial violations.
SB 1101 requires dental insurance carriers in Oklahoma to annually report their "dental loss ratio" (the percentage of premium dollars spent directly on dental care services, not overhead) and specific plan data like enrollee numbers, costs, and coverage limits. Insurers must submit this information electronically by July 31 each year to the Insurance Commissioner, who will publish the aggregated data publicly by January 1st for comparison. The law also mandates the Commissioner to investigate carriers with significantly deviating ratios and impose penalties for non-compliance. This directly affects dental insurers operating in Oklahoma, aiming to increase transparency about how premiums are used.
This bill amends Oklahoma's Funeral Services Licensing Act to clarify that businesses selling funeral merchandise (such as burial supplies and equipment) without providing other funeral services - like embalming, directing funerals, or operating a funeral establishment - are exempt from licensing requirements. The change specifically revises the definition of "funeral service merchandise" to exclude these limited sellers from the law's scope. This means retailers focused solely on selling such items, without offering additional funeral services, will no longer need a license under the current regulations. The amendment takes effect on November 1, 2025.
SB 722 prohibits the use of electronic tracking devices on cattle or bison younger than 18 months without the owner’s consent. It directly affects livestock owners who raise young cattle or bison, requiring them to give explicit permission before any electronic monitoring occurs. The bill amends existing law to specify this age limit and consent requirement for the covered animals. This is a policy change focused on protecting owner rights regarding specific livestock, not a broader agricultural regulation.
This resolution (SR 13) is a ceremonial recognition by the Oklahoma Senate honoring Russell M. Perry for his lifetime achievements. It praises his founding of *The Black Chronicle* newspaper, ownership of Perry Publishing & Broadcasting (Oklahoma’s largest independent radio group and African American media company), and historic service as Oklahoma’s first Black Secretary of Commerce (1999). The resolution specifically highlights his contributions to African American community development, journalism, and economic opportunity in Oklahoma. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any policies.
This resolution (HR 1017) proclaims April 6-12, 2025, as National Crime Victims' Rights Week in Oklahoma and designates April 9, 2025, as Victims’ Rights Day. It symbolically recognizes the theme "Kinship, Connecting, and Healing" and affirms the Oklahoma House of Representatives’ commitment to supporting crime victims' rights. The resolution directs the House to join statewide advocacy organizations and distribute copies to the Victims Services Division of the Oklahoma District Attorneys Council. It does not create new laws or alter existing policies - it is a ceremonial acknowledgment of victims' rights awareness.
