SB 1319 creates a dedicated "Corporation Commission Plugging Fund" to address environmental and safety issues from oil and gas operations. The fund must maintain $5 million, with additional taxes collected if it falls below this level until replenished (effective until July 2031). It establishes a new program allowing homeowners contaminated by brine or oil from *abandoned wells* (as defined by law) to apply for financial assistance from the fund without needing prior insurance claims. The Corporation Commission will determine assistance amounts and create rules to manage applications and verify contamination sources.
This bill establishes new rules for how the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency administers federal HOME housing funds, primarily affecting nonprofit organizations, local governments, and other eligible entities that receive these grants. It requires the agency to follow federal guidelines without adding stricter state requirements unless specifically authorized, mandates a 30-day public comment period for any new program rules, and prohibits retroactive rule changes. The legislation also guarantees nonprofit participants a minimum 15% developer fee, ensures CHDOs retain program proceeds, and requires the agency to remove penalties if monitoring issues are resolved within 30 days.
SB 1885 modifies Oklahoma's homestead tax exemption for homeowners. Starting in 2027, it phases in a full exemption from ad valorem taxes on homestead properties: 33% in 2027, 67% in 2028, and 100% from 2029 onward. This replaces previous exemption amounts and applies uniformly to all qualifying homeowners statewide. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027, with taxes for 2027 payable in 2027. It directly affects Oklahoma homeowners who qualify for homestead exemption under state law.
HB 2115 transfers administration of Oklahoma's Energy Conservation Assistance Fund from the Department of Commerce to the Department of Human Services. It provides grants of up to $3,000 for weatherization work (like insulation, storm windows, and structural repairs) to low-income elderly and handicapped homeowners who meet income guidelines (125% of federal poverty level). The bill requires an energy audit before grants are issued, prioritizes applicants with greatest need, and establishes a revolving fund for ongoing program funding. This directly affects qualifying homeowners seeking energy efficiency improvements to their primary residences.
HB 2229 increases Oklahoma's earned income tax credit (EITC) from 5% to 10% of the federal credit amount for qualifying residents. It directly affects low-to-moderate income individuals and families who claim the federal EITC, expanding their state tax benefit. The bill makes the credit refundable if it exceeds state tax liability and prorates the maximum credit based on Oklahoma adjusted gross income relative to federal income. Effective January 1, 2026, this change aligns Oklahoma's EITC percentage with the federal credit structure while maintaining the state's refundability provision.
SB 1478 creates the "Oklahoma Land Bank Act," allowing cities, towns, and counties (municipalities) to establish land banks - entities that acquire, hold, and transfer vacant or underused land for redevelopment. Municipalities must create land banks via local ordinance, establishing boards of 5-11 members (with specific rules for appointments, terms, and conflicts of interest), and land banks gain tax exemptions on properties they hold. The bill outlines how land banks can acquire property (including through tax foreclosure), sell it under defined procedures, and operate under Oklahoma Open Meeting and Records Acts, while enabling school districts to participate via agreements. It directly affects municipalities seeking to revitalize blighted areas and landowners facing tax delinquency or foreclosure.
SB 2060 updates Oklahoma's rules for creating "master development districts" (large-scale projects like new communities or commercial areas) that operate independently from cities. It requires 100% written consent from all surface property owners in the proposed district and sets a minimum threshold of either 250 acres or $250 million in projected private investment to qualify. The bill establishes independent boards of supervisors to govern these districts, granting them authority to make public improvements like streets, utilities, parks, flood control, and recreational facilities using district bonds. It also clarifies bond issuance rules for these districts under Section 39-115. This directly affects property owners within proposed districts and city planners developing large infrastructure projects.
SB 1556 requires courts to independently review (de novo) whether a government agency’s use of eminent domain serves a valid public purpose and is necessary, shifting the burden of proof to the government. It mandates that condemning authorities must prove necessity by preponderance of evidence for each parcel, show all feasible alternatives were considered, and disclose all project studies 60 days before hearings. Property owners gain the right to discovery and can recover attorney fees if the government fails to meet its burden. This bill directly affects property owners facing condemnation and government agencies seeking to acquire private land.
SJR 44 is a constitutional amendment requiring voter approval for property tax changes and debt issuance. It would raise the threshold from a simple majority to at least two-thirds of registered voters casting ballots for any new tax, tax increase, or debt issuance by counties, cities, or other local governments. The amendment affects all local taxing jurisdictions in Oklahoma by making it harder to pass tax or debt measures without broad public support. It applies to existing constitutional provisions governing property taxes (Sections 6B, 8, 9, etc.) and revenue bills, though it does not change current tax exemptions like manufacturing incentives. The measure must be approved by voters in an election to take effect.
HB 4278 requires Oklahoma counties to use a new form for disabled veterans and surviving spouses who purchase new homes, ensuring they receive property tax exemptions they previously qualified for. The form must confirm prior exemption status on their old home, and county assessors must update property records to reflect the new exemption after a sale. Counties must also send missing tax bills to owners who didn’t receive them due to delays in updating eligibility. The bill takes effect November 1, 2026, streamlining the process for qualifying veterans and spouses to maintain their tax relief.
