HB 1092 creates a $7,500 annual tax credit for Oklahoma residents who complete qualifying trade or vocational programs (such as HVAC, plumbing, or welding training) at approved Oklahoma schools. The credit, available for taxable years starting January 1, 2026, offsets income tax liability up to the actual tuition cost paid (whichever is lower), but cannot reduce tax below zero. Unused portions may carry forward for up to three years, and the credit can only be claimed once per individual after receiving program certification. This policy directly supports Oklahoma residents pursuing in-demand technical careers by reducing the cost of vocational education.
HB 1539 lowers Oklahoma's individual income tax rates for the 2024 tax year. It reduces the top tax rate from 5.50% to 4.75% for most filers, with new brackets starting at 0.25% on the first $1,000 of income (e.g., 0.75% on the next $1,500 for single filers). The bill affects all Oklahoma residents and nonresidents who file individual income tax returns, applying to taxable income earned in 2024. The change eliminates the previous tiered top rate structure and requires no deduction for federal income taxes paid.
SB 289 modifies Oklahoma's sales tax exemption period for certain museums, directly affecting those institutions by changing how long they can qualify for tax relief on eligible purchases. The bill amends Section 1356 of Oklahoma's tax code to adjust the duration of the exemption, ensuring museums remain exempt from sales tax on qualifying items used for their operations. This change updates the existing exemption framework without altering other established tax exemptions for government entities, schools, or nonprofits listed in the same section. The bill is designated as an emergency measure to expedite implementation.
SB 820 expands Oklahoma's sports league rebate program to include the WNBA, WPF, and NWSL, in addition to the existing NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB. It allows qualifying professional sports teams (with specific payroll and employment thresholds) to receive quarterly rebates based on verified in-state payroll, capped at $10 million annually per team. The rebate requires teams to maintain operations in Oklahoma for eligibility and repay funds if they leave within three years. The bill is currently under review by the Appropriations and Budget Finance Subcommittee.
This Oklahoma bill creates a tax credit program to encourage converting old, vacant buildings into housing. Property owners can claim up to 50% of qualified costs (like environmental cleanup, code upgrades, or system repairs) for adaptive reuse projects on structures at least 30 years old that have been vacant or underutilized (with rent below 50% of market rate). The program has a $5 million annual cap on approved credits, with unused funds carried forward to future years. Credits cannot reduce tax liability below zero but may be carried forward for up to 10 years. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce and Tax Commission will administer the program and prioritize projects based on local housing needs.
SB 678 creates a state fund to reimburse Oklahoma counties for lost property tax revenue when centrally assessed properties (like oil/gas facilities) decrease in value. Counties qualify if they lose at least $250,000 in annual tax collections from these properties, receiving 25% of the loss for the first two years after the valuation drop. Reimbursement funds prioritize school districts first, with remaining funds going to counties. The bill appropriates $2 million from the General Revenue Fund to start the fund, effective July 2025.
SB 554 would require Oklahoma school districts to provide stipends (one-time payments) instead of regular salary increases to teachers holding specific certifications, such as out-of-state, international, or National Board for Professional Teaching Standards credentials. The bill prohibits these stipends from being counted toward future salary calculations or raises. It amends existing teacher certification laws to clarify that compensation for these certified teachers must follow this stipend structure rather than standard salary progression. This change directly affects teachers with the specified certifications who currently qualify for salary-based increases under Oklahoma law.
