Budget & Taxes (Economic Development)

SB 1937 prohibits employers who engage in specific labor practices from receiving Oklahoma's economic development incentives (such as grants, loans, or tax credits). It directly affects employers seeking these incentives by banning: (1) granting union recognition based solely on signed cards instead of secret ballot elections, (2) sharing employee contact information without consent, (3) signing neutrality agreements with unions, and (4) requiring subcontractors to violate these rules. Employers found violating these provisions must repay all incentives received for the project. The bill exempts existing agreements before its November 1, 2026, effective date and employers with current collective bargaining agreements.

SB 2015 modifies Oklahoma's Local Development Act to limit tax incentives for new development projects. It caps incentives at 50% of new investment, bans tax breaks for retail properties (except hotels and similar lodging), and requires all projects to include provisions benefiting the broader public, not just private entities. The bill also mandates annual reports detailing incentive recipients, project costs, public benefits, and financial disclosures to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. These changes aim to ensure tax breaks serve community needs while preventing excessive or exclusive private benefits.