HB 4191 modifies Oklahoma's Small Employer Quality Jobs Act to adjust tax incentives for qualifying businesses. It establishes a "net benefit rate" (capped at 5%) calculated by subtracting state costs (like education and public services) from projected tax revenue generated by new jobs, then pays eligible small employers (under 500 employees) quarterly over seven years based on this rate. To qualify, businesses must commit to creating new jobs - ranging from 5 to 15 jobs or a percentage of current staff - within 12-36 months, depending on their city's population size. The bill requires applications through the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and ties incentives directly to verified new-hire wages.
SB 2084 caps settlement amounts for wrongful termination claims by employees of Oklahoma public institutions of higher education (like state universities) at two years of their base salary at termination. It limits total settlements to include back pay and damages but excludes accrued unpaid wages, leave, and retirement contributions already earned. The bill specifically applies to state law claims, not federal ones, and takes effect November 1, 2026. This directly affects public university employees filing termination disputes under Oklahoma law.
SB 1390 modifies Oklahoma's gross production tax apportionment rules for natural gas and oil revenues. It establishes a "moving five-year average" for gas tax collections to determine when excess revenue (above this average) is sent to the Revenue Stabilization Fund instead of the General Revenue Fund. The bill adjusts the percentage of tax revenue allocated to state general funds, county highway funds, and school districts based on whether gas taxes are levied at 7% or 4% rates. This directly affects natural gas and oil producers, counties receiving highway funds, and school districts eligible for per-pupil funding. The changes take effect immediately as an emergency measure.
HB 3066 creates the Health Care Workforce Training Commission and establishes the "Rural Health Transformation Revolving Fund" in Oklahoma's state treasury. The fund will collect federal funds (including those from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025), interest, and designated state monies to specifically recruit and retain healthcare workers in rural and underserved Oklahoma communities, requiring a minimum 5-year service commitment. The Commission can use these funds for workforce programs and create necessary rules to implement the program. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, and directly affects rural healthcare providers and communities facing workforce shortages.
HB 2115 transfers administration of Oklahoma's Energy Conservation Assistance Fund from the Department of Commerce to the Department of Human Services. It provides grants of up to $3,000 for weatherization work (like insulation, storm windows, and structural repairs) to low-income elderly and handicapped homeowners who meet income guidelines (125% of federal poverty level). The bill requires an energy audit before grants are issued, prioritizes applicants with greatest need, and establishes a revolving fund for ongoing program funding. This directly affects qualifying homeowners seeking energy efficiency improvements to their primary residences.
HB 3590, the Oklahoma Opportunity Scholarship Act of 2026, expands tax credits for Oklahoma taxpayers who contribute to scholarship-granting organizations. It increases the maximum annual tax credit: to $5,000 for single filers (up from $1,000), $10,000 for married couples filing jointly (up from $2,000), and $250,000 for businesses (up from $100,000). Taxpayers who commit to contribute the same amount for two consecutive years qualify for a 100% credit (up from 75%) on those contributions. The bill affects Oklahoma taxpayers making eligible contributions and requires scholarship organizations to submit annual financial reports to the Oklahoma Tax Commission. It takes effect January 1, 2027.
SB 1826 removes the expiration date for Oklahoma's Enterprise Zone incentive program, making the tax credits and matching payments permanent. It directly affects businesses locating or expanding within designated enterprise zones and local governments approving projects in those areas. Key provisions include setting a $200,000 annual cap on state payments per business, establishing county-specific investment limits ($20-40 million), and requiring local governments to prove projects will generate at least $1 million in payroll or $5 million in investment. The bill also clarifies eligibility for tourism projects and restricts retail development (except for healthy food stores in low-access areas). This update maintains existing incentive structures while eliminating the program’s automatic termination.
SB 1403 modifies Oklahoma's Quality Jobs Incentive Program by extending eligibility periods and adjusting wage requirements. It extends incentive contracts from 15 to 30 years for businesses in the entertainment industry (NAICS 711211) without additional funds, while lowering the required annual payroll for manufacturing businesses (NAICS 3111-3119) from $2.5 million to $1.5 million. The bill also adds special provisions for businesses operating on contaminated Superfund sites, allowing them to qualify for incentives if they meet environmental remediation requirements and generate 50% of Oklahoma taxable income at the site. These changes directly affect new businesses seeking state tax incentives for job creation and payroll growth.
SB 1122 requires Oklahoma's State Board of Equalization to assess property used for **wired broadband service** (offering internet over 100 Mbps download/20 Mbps upload) at a **15% tax rate** for tax years 2026-2036. It applies only to infrastructure in areas with **less than 10% broadband coverage** (per FCC maps) and exclusively to property used for broadband, excluding other services like video streaming. The bill amends tax code to define "broadband service providers" and mandates this specific assessment ratio for qualifying assets, including fiber, cables, and network infrastructure. This policy directly affects **wired broadband providers** expanding service in underserved rural or low-coverage regions.
Oklahoma's SJR 39 proposes a constitutional amendment to reduce limits on annual increases in property tax assessments. It would lower the maximum annual growth rate for most real property from 5% to 3% (for tax years 2027 onward) and further reduce limits for homestead properties (primary residences) and agricultural land from 3% to 1%. The amendment applies to locally assessed real property, excluding personal property and properties with recent transfers or improvements. If approved by voters, these changes would take effect for tax years beginning in 2027.
