SB 1530 requires the Oklahoma Department of Commerce to verify that businesses claiming research and development rebates actually conducted eligible research within Oklahoma. It affects companies seeking rebates equal to 5% of their qualified research expenses, with a $20 million annual cap on total payments. The bill mandates that businesses submit applications and documentation for verification before receiving rebates, and if funds are insufficient, payments are prorated or carried over to future years. This amendment updates existing rules for the Oklahoma Research and Development Rebate Fund, effective July 1, 2026.
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.
SB 1992 creates a new income tax credit program for businesses constructing or expanding facilities in qualifying locations across Oklahoma, such as underpopulated counties (under 100,000 people) or near rail infrastructure. It allows a 10% tax credit on construction and expansion costs (up to $6 million per project) and a 50% credit for rail infrastructure projects (up to $3 million per project), with a total annual state cap of $12 million. The bill defines "strategic finance partner" as entities providing capital (like loans or investments) to qualifying projects, enabling them to claim the tax credit through assignment to the business. The credit expires after tax year 2027 and requires Oklahoma Department of Commerce approval for project eligibility.
Oklahoma Senate Bill 227 modifies tax exemptions for oil and gas producers by limiting eligibility for gross production tax refunds to specific years (2005-2013 and 2022-2024). It caps annual refunds at $12.5 million for 2015-2016 and $10 million for 2022-2024, requiring producers to qualify as "economically at-risk" leases based on production volume and profitability thresholds. Producers must submit documentation to the Oklahoma Tax Commission to claim refunds for prior-year production, with claims due by the bill’s effective date for 2024. The bill directly affects oil/gas operators seeking refunds on past production under these revised rules.
HB 3024 establishes a 10% annual cap on salary increases and bonuses for most state employees in executive branch agencies, requiring cabinet secretary approval for any increase exceeding this limit. It mandates that agencies set performance metrics for bonus eligibility and document salary adjustments above 10% due to role changes or performance reviews. The bill excludes executive directors, positions requiring advanced degrees or state licenses (like doctors and engineers), and employees of higher education systems or school districts from these limits. These provisions take effect July 1, 2026, with the Office of Management and Enterprise Services overseeing implementation.
HB 4340 would add a sales tax exemption for the sale of "frack water" (wastewater from oil and gas extraction) in Oklahoma. This exemption would directly affect oil and gas companies and vendors selling this wastewater, eliminating the sales tax on such transactions. The bill amends Oklahoma's sales tax code to include this specific exemption under existing tax exemption categories. The policy change would reduce tax burdens for businesses involved in handling oil and gas extraction wastewater. The bill is currently pending in the Appropriations and Budget Natural Resources Subcommittee.
HB 4337 amends Oklahoma's Quality Events Act to clarify definitions and requirements for economic development incentives tied to major events. It defines key terms like "quality event" (e.g., national championships, televised events) and "economic impact study," which must verify additional sales tax revenue generated by the event. The bill requires local governments to use these studies to confirm tax revenue increases before providing financial support to event promoters. This affects certified sponsors (event organizers) and local governments that fund or support qualifying events, ensuring incentives align with measurable economic benefits.
HB 2021 creates the Oklahoma Kids After-School Grant Program (OKAGP) under the Department of Human Services to fund community-based organizations running after-school programs for K-12 students. Eligible organizations must operate at least five locations across Oklahoma (either directly or through partnerships) and qualify for exemptions from child care licensing under Title 10. The bill establishes a revolving fund in the State Treasury for these grants, funded by state appropriations and donations, with no annual budget restrictions. The program becomes effective November 1, 2025, and will provide grants to support after-school programming for children.
HB 4490 creates the Oklahoma Families Thriving Everywhere Now (OFTEN) program through the Oklahoma State Department of Health, using $3 million in state funds for the 2027 fiscal year. The program provides telecare support, community outreach, and care coordination for women with high-risk pregnancies and parents of children under three, aiming to promote healthy childbirth, stable family formation, and economic self-sufficiency. Services include referrals, case management, and parenting assistance delivered by Oklahoma-based community providers. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, and includes an emergency declaration to accelerate implementation.
HB 3984 creates the "Oklahoma Talent Attraction and Relocation Program" under the Oklahoma Department of Commerce to award grants for recruiting households relocating to Oklahoma from outside the state. It directly affects cities, towns, counties, and nonprofits (as grant applicants) and households earning at least $55,000 annually who move into Oklahoma. Key provisions include a $250,000 annual grant limit per municipality, requiring applicants to cover 20% of program costs, tying 50% of funds to meeting half the household relocation goal, and mandating detailed reports on program outcomes. The bill establishes a revolving fund to reuse repayments and unused grant money for ongoing administration.
