HB 2751 proposes setback requirements for wind energy towers in Oklahoma counties with specific population density (>8.5 people/sq mile) or low wind speed (<9.5 mph). It requires towers to be placed at least 2.5 times their tip height or 1/4 mile from nearby properties, whichever is greater, and allows counties to vote to waive this requirement via referendum every five years. The Oklahoma Corporation Commission must maintain a public database tracking which counties have active setback rules. The bill failed in the Energy Committee on April 24, 2025, and remains pending. This would directly affect property owners and wind energy developers in designated counties.
HB 1220 prohibits Oklahoma cities and towns from imposing franchise fees or sales/use taxes on specific revenue streams used by utilities to repay private financing. It directly affects electric cooperatives and other utilities that used private financing under the February 2021 Utility Consumer Protection Acts to avoid immediate cost burdens on customers. The bill defines "securitization revenue streams" as rates and charges solely for repaying such private loans, and bans local taxes on these streams for bonds issued by the Oklahoma Development Finance Authority under those acts. This prevents municipalities from taxing revenue dedicated to repaying utility loans structured to protect consumers from upfront costs.
SB 291 creates a refundable income tax credit for Oklahoma residents based on revenue growth from oil, natural gas, and corporate income taxes. If the State Board of Equalization certifies that revenue growth exceeds 10% in a year, the Oklahoma Tax Commission calculates a credit amount using a formula based on the number of individual and married-filing-jointly tax returns from the prior year. The credit is doubled for married couples filing jointly, and the Commission must publish the calculated amount within 45 days of certification. The credit applies to tax years starting in 2026, with a November 1, 2025 effective date.
HB 2312 prohibits operating drones below 400 feet over designated critical infrastructure facilities, including refineries, power plants, water treatment centers, pipelines, and telecom towers. It directly affects drone operators, requiring prior authorization from facility owners or operators to fly in these areas. Key provisions ban unauthorized low-altitude drone flights, contact with facilities, or interference with operations, with exceptions for government entities, facility owners, law enforcement, and FAA-authorized commercial operators. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025.
HB 2402 would create tax breaks and grants to attract manufacturers of low-temperature waste heat electrification technology (recovering heat below 200°C) to Oklahoma. Companies investing $10 million+ with 50+ new jobs would get up to 30% corporate tax breaks for five years (renewable), while larger investments ($20 million+ with 100+ jobs) qualify for 50% breaks. The state would cap annual spending at $8 million, with unused funds rolling over, and prioritize grants for facilities in economic development zones or energy-sector projects. Manufacturers must meet specific technology standards, submit job/investment plans, and report annually on progress to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.
SB 352 prohibits utility companies from using eminent domain to build wind turbines, solar facilities, battery storage, or hydrogen gas facilities on private property. It also requires electricity providers to obtain a Corporation Commission certificate before using eminent domain for high-voltage transmission lines (over 300 kV). The bill directly affects utility companies seeking to expand infrastructure and private property owners whose land might be targeted for such projects. These changes amend Oklahoma’s eminent domain law (27 O.S. §7) to restrict certain facility siting and add oversight for major transmission projects. The bill was introduced in the 2025 Oklahoma Legislature and referred to the Energy and Natural Resources Oversight committee.
HB 2747 allows Oklahoma electric utilities regulated by the Corporation Commission to recover specific costs through rate adjustments. It creates mechanisms for utilities to seek recovery of costs for: (1) transmission upgrades supporting wind generation (approved by Southwest Power Pool before 2013), (2) capital expenditures needed to comply with environmental laws (like Clean Air Act), and (3) new generation facilities or power contracts after considering reasonable alternatives through competitive bidding. The bill requires the Corporation Commission to review these cost recovery requests within set timelines (180-240 days) and mandates a rate review within 24 months of cost recovery initiation. This directly affects regulated utilities and impacts electricity rates for Oklahoma consumers.
SB 475 requires the Oklahoma Tax Commission to verify whether taxpayers have claimed a specific income tax credit for clean-burning motor fuel property investments when requested. This bill amends existing tax law (68 O.S. § 2357.22) to update verification procedures for the one-time credit against income tax for qualified clean-burning motor fuel vehicle investments. The change affects taxpayers claiming this credit and streamlines the Tax Commission’s process to prevent duplicate claims. It modifies confidentiality rules (68 O.S. § 205) to allow this verification without compromising other protected tax records. The bill focuses on administrative accuracy for an existing credit, not new tax benefits.
