SB 1531 establishes the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics as a state clearinghouse for drone (UAS) and advanced air mobility (AAM) technology. The bill authorizes the department to coordinate drone/AAM infrastructure development by maintaining registries for state agency drones and training programs, planning vertiport sites, creating detection systems, and partnering with cities, counties, and federal agencies. It directly affects state agencies using drones, educational institutions offering drone training, and local governments developing drone infrastructure. The law aims to streamline Oklahoma’s integration of drone/AAM technology into aviation systems through centralized planning and state-led coordination.
SB 1684 requires operators of highway cleanup and remediation services in Oklahoma (such as towing and accident response companies) to maintain at least $4 million in insurance coverage. This insurance must be provided as proof when applying for or renewing a state license. The bill also establishes a $10,000 initial license fee and a $1,000 annual renewal fee, with a $10,000 reinstatement fee for revoked licenses. Failure to meet the insurance requirement may result in license suspension or revocation.
HB 3979 increases the funding cap for Oklahoma's Infrastructure Pool and Economic Development Pool from $100 million to $125 million each. It requires 65% of funds from both pools to support smaller municipalities (under 300,000 residents) and 35% to serve all eligible local governments regardless of size. The bill applies directly to Oklahoma cities and counties seeking infrastructure or economic development financing through these pools. The changes take effect November 1, 2026.
HB 4426 creates a state income tax credit for businesses making qualified economic development expenditures in specific Oklahoma locations. It allows eligible businesses to claim up to 10% of qualifying construction, equipment, or infrastructure costs (capped at $6 million per project), or up to 50% for rail infrastructure (capped at $3 million). The credit can be assigned to project affiliates like vendors or investors and carried forward for up to five years, with an annual state cap of $12 million. The bill applies to projects in counties under 100,000 population, industrial parks, economic development zones, or near qualifying railroads, effective November 2026.
SB 1992 creates a new income tax credit program for businesses constructing or expanding facilities in qualifying locations across Oklahoma, such as underpopulated counties (under 100,000 people) or near rail infrastructure. It allows a 10% tax credit on construction and expansion costs (up to $6 million per project) and a 50% credit for rail infrastructure projects (up to $3 million per project), with a total annual state cap of $12 million. The bill defines "strategic finance partner" as entities providing capital (like loans or investments) to qualifying projects, enabling them to claim the tax credit through assignment to the business. The credit expires after tax year 2027 and requires Oklahoma Department of Commerce approval for project eligibility.
SB 920 requires developers to obtain a permit from the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics before constructing buildings within a specified radius of existing or planned heliports or vertiports. This law directly affects property owners, developers, and construction companies planning projects near these aviation facilities. The key provision mandates that the state agency review and approve construction near such sites to ensure safety and compatibility with aerospace infrastructure. The bill became law on May 15, 2025, without the Governor's signature.
