HB 1427 creates tax credits for Oklahoma taxpayers who invest in qualifying clean-burning motor vehicle fuel equipment. It directly affects vehicle owners and businesses that install or purchase equipment allowing vehicles to run on compressed natural gas, hydrogen, liquefied natural gas, or liquefied petroleum gas. The bill provides tiered credits: up to $5,500 for light vehicles (under 6,000 lbs), up to $100,000 for heavy trucks (over 26,500 lbs), and 45% of costs for commercial refueling stations. Credits are limited to new, certified equipment meeting safety standards and must be claimed against state income tax. Unused credits can be carried forward for up to five years.
This bill authorizes an emergency appropriation of approximately $19.66 million to the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. The funds must come from the Rate Preservation Fund in the State Treasury and are designated specifically for Title XIX services, which are Medicaid-funded mental health and substance abuse programs. The legislation includes an emergency provision, allowing the funding to take effect immediately upon the governor's approval without waiting for the regular budget cycle. This action provides direct financial resources to the state agency responsible for administering mental health and substance abuse services.
SB 1192 increases the fee for alcohol and drug assessments from $160 to $200 per person. It also raises certification application fees for assessment personnel ($100-$200 initially, $25-$150 for renewal). The bill directs $15 of each assessment fee to the Department of Public Safety, with 90% (about $13.50) going to the Community-based Substance Abuse Revolving Fund and 10% ($1.50) covering administrative costs. This affects individuals required to undergo assessments (e.g., for driver license issues) and certified assessment professionals. The changes take effect November 1, 2026.
SB 2115 modifies Oklahoma law to streamline how the Department of Veterans Affairs handles certain funds. It exempts federal funds received from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs from being deposited into the state treasury, allowing direct distribution to veterans. The bill creates the Oklahoma Veterans Assistance Fund, requires electronic quarterly reporting to state leaders, and exempts specific funds from annual spending limits. These changes primarily affect the Department’s financial operations and reporting for veterans' programs.
SB 1988 increases fees for money transfer businesses in Oklahoma, requiring a $20 fee per transaction under $500 plus 4% for amounts over $500. It also creates a tax credit for customers who pay these fees, allowing them to claim the fee amount against their income tax. The bill modifies rules for claiming the credit, specifying it can't reduce tax below zero and must be claimed in specific tax years (e.g., 2009-2010 fees claimed on 2010 returns). All fees collected will fund the Drug Money Laundering and Wire Transmitter Revolving Fund. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027.
This bill, titled "Mathematics instruction..." but actually amending the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program, adjusts financial eligibility rules for students seeking higher education support. It raises income thresholds for program qualification (e.g., $80,000 annually for families with five+ children starting in 2025-2026) and adjusts age limits for participation (extending to age 18 for some applicants). Students must meet updated income requirements and comply with program terms like regular school attendance and avoiding substance abuse to maintain eligibility. The bill directly affects Oklahoma students in grades 5-11 seeking financial aid for post-secondary education through this state program.
HB 2646 eliminates a limitation on taxpayers deducting wagering income when calculating Oklahoma taxable income, directly affecting individuals and businesses claiming such deductions. The bill amends Oklahoma Statute 68 O.S. § 2358 to allow full itemization of wagering income without prior restrictions. It also updates statutory references and adjusts tax year calculations for net operating losses. The bill was referred to the Governor but received a pocket veto on June 15, 2025, meaning it did not become law.
HB 2645 creates a tax credit for qualifying doctors practicing medicine in rural Oklahoma, directly affecting licensed physicians who meet specific residency and education criteria. The credit, capped at $20,000 per year per doctor, applies to taxable income from medical practice in designated rural areas (population under 25,000 and at least 25 miles from larger cities). The bill includes an annual $1 million total credit limit, with adjustments to prevent exceeding this cap. The bill was pocket-vetoed by the governor on June 15, 2025, and never became law.
HB 1378 would have expanded Oklahoma's sales tax exemptions for agriculture by adding timber to the definition of "agricultural products." This change would have exempted sales of timber (including timber products used in farming) from sales tax, directly affecting Oklahoma agricultural businesses, farmers, and timber producers. The bill amended existing tax code provisions that already exempted farm products, livestock, feed, fertilizer, machinery, and other agricultural supplies. However, the bill was vetoed by the Governor on June 10, 2025, and did not become law.
HB 2753 expands Oklahoma's Rural Jobs Act by adding a new $200 million annual pool of state tax credits for rural investments, effective July 1, 2025, beyond the existing $15 million annual cap. The bill requires that at least 10% of each investment must come from local sources like employees or affiliates, and sets a 90-day deadline for rural funds to secure capital after certification. It also establishes a 15-business-day timeline for the Department to determine if a business qualifies for investment, with automatic eligibility if no decision is made by day 20. This expansion aims to increase funding for rural economic development projects by making more tax credits available to eligible businesses and rural investment funds.
