HB 2988 creates an income tax credit for Oklahoma landowners who implement specific conservation practices, including removing harmful woody species, improving soil health, or enhancing water efficiency on agricultural land. It directly affects farmers and ranchers who actively practice these conservation methods on their property, allowing them to claim credits of $5-$500 per acre (up to $150,000-$200,000 annually) based on the number of qualifying practices used. The Oklahoma Conservation Commission issues tax credit certificates verifying eligibility, while the program limits annual credits to $3 million total and requires applicants to not have received full cost coverage from other sources. The credit applies to income tax returns for 2027-2030, with certificates processed in order of submission until the $3 million cap is reached.
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.
SB 201 establishes a mandatory minimum salary schedule for Oklahoma public school teachers beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. It sets specific annual salary floors based on years of experience and education level (e.g., $50,000 for a bachelor's degree with 0 experience), requiring school districts to meet these amounts through salary or fringe benefits. The bill defines "fringe benefits" to include retirement contributions (excluding certain state-mandated portions) and mandates written notice to teachers if districts propose salaries below the minimum. It also standardizes how teaching experience (including out-of-state, military, or Department of Defense service) is counted for salary increments, while prohibiting credit for more than five years of such experience.
SB 1379 establishes a two-year pilot program through Oklahoma's Attorney General's Office to provide grants to private nonprofit organizations supporting victims of sexual and labor trafficking. The program funds specific services like emergency shelter, mental health counseling, legal assistance, job training, and medical care - directly benefiting trafficking victims through partner organizations. Eligible organizations must demonstrate experience serving trafficking victims, maintain confidentiality, and use grants primarily for direct services (not exceeding 15% for administrative costs). Recipients must submit quarterly reports on services provided and outcomes, with the Attorney General compiling annual program evaluations for state leaders. The bill expands allowable uses of the Victims of Human Trafficking Fund to support this initiative.
HB 4118 proposes a tax credit for Oklahoma caregivers of eligible family members. It allows a 50% credit on qualifying expenses - such as medical travel mileage, home modifications, medical equipment, and hiring aides - for caregivers with income under $50,000 (or $100,000 for couples) caring for someone aged 62+ who needs help with two or more daily living tasks (like bathing, dressing, or eating). The credit caps at $2,000 annually per family, rising to $3,000 if the care recipient is a veteran or has dementia. The total annual credit pool is limited to $1.5 million, with unused funds adjusted yearly. If passed, it would take effect November 1, 2026.
SB 1427 requires all Oklahoma children to be screened for type 1 diabetes during routine checkups at ages 5 and 12 by their primary care providers, using accepted medical practices. The bill mandates that these screenings be reimbursed through Oklahoma's Medicaid program (pending federal approval) and directs the State Department of Health to seek additional funding to support the screenings. The Oklahoma Health Care Authority Board and State Commissioner of Health must create implementing rules for reimbursement and screening protocols. This law applies to all children in Oklahoma and takes effect November 1, 2026.
SB 244 establishes the Program of American Civic Thought and Leadership at the University of Oklahoma (OU). It creates a new academic program focused on teaching American political principles, leadership, civic engagement, and foundational texts of U.S. history and government through courses for students. The program will hire faculty, develop new majors/minors, and offer courses including an upcoming requirement for all OU students to complete a civic knowledge course. It requires annual strategic plans and reports to state leadership, with initial courses launching in fall 2027. The program will operate independently on OU's Norman campus, funded by state appropriations and donations.
SB 985 creates Oklahoma's "Local Food for Schools Program," which helps school districts purchase food from local farmers and food producers. The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture will reimburse schools for local food costs and encourage partnerships with local producers. It establishes a permanent revolving fund in the state treasury, funded by legislative appropriations, to support these purchases without annual budget constraints. The program becomes effective November 1, 2025, directly benefiting school districts and Oklahoma agricultural producers.
HB 3043 creates a new category of "seasonal employees" for Oklahoma's Department of Veterans Affairs, defined as unclassified staff working under 1,699 hours annually. These employees will not receive benefits like paid leave, health insurance, retirement, or paid holidays. The bill requires the Department to report annual usage of these positions, including worker counts and total wages, in its budget requests. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.
HB 1590 establishes the "Oklahoma Education Infrastructure Linked Deposit Program" to provide reduced-rate loans for school infrastructure projects. It directly affects charter schools and nonprofit education service entities by enabling them to access funding for constructing, expanding, or repairing buildings and integrated systems like HVAC. The program works by having the State Treasurer place state funds (as certificates of deposit) with eligible banks, which then offer these low-cost loans to qualifying schools, requiring borrowers to certify funds will be used solely for infrastructure. The State Treasurer and Board review applications, with banks applying standard credit checks and prioritizing schools based on local educational needs.
