SB 248 modifies how funds from real property sales are allocated to the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department Revolving Fund. It requires that all money derived from selling, leasing, or transferring state-owned real property (excluding concessionaire agreements) must be used *exclusively* for maintenance and capital projects at Oklahoma state parks. The bill explicitly prohibits using these funds for any employee compensation at state agencies. This change ensures property sale revenue directly supports park improvements rather than staffing costs, while keeping other fund uses for department operations and real property purchases.
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.
HB 2894 amends Oklahoma's Tourism Development Act to adjust sales tax credit rules for tourism projects. It provides up to 10% tax credits for projects costing $500,000-$1 million and up to 25% for projects over $1 million, but credits cannot exceed the state's potential sales tax revenue from the project. The bill allows tourism developers in Entertainment Districts to pass credits to tenants or receive incentive payments based on tenant sales tax collections, subject to a $30 million annual cap on all inducements. Developers must verify expenditures with independent audits, and credits cannot be transferred except as specified for Entertainment District tenants.
HB 3972 creates a state "Ad Valorem Reimbursement Fund" to reimburse Oklahoma counties for property tax revenue losses caused by specific exemptions. It directly affects counties that lose revenue due to tax exemptions for new manufacturing facilities, veterans' homes (if exemptions exceed 0.8% of population), school district exemptions, buffer strip valuation changes, or state property purchases over $300 million (limited to two tax years). Counties must file claims by April 30 each year, with the Tax Commission reviewing them by June 15; reimbursements prioritize manufacturing exemptions and state property purchases before other claims. The fund is a revolving account with no fiscal year limits, and disbursements are exempt from standard spending caps. The bill takes immediate effect due to an emergency declaration.
HB 3465 extends the termination date for Oklahoma's Emission Reduction Technology Rebate Program from July 1, 2027, to July 1, 2029. This change directly affects businesses and entities participating in the rebate program, allowing them to continue receiving incentives for emission-reducing technology through 2029. The bill amends Section 55012 of the Oklahoma Statutes to update the program's end date while maintaining existing rebate mechanisms. It becomes effective November 1, 2026.
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.
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.
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.
