Transportation

HB 1125 requires Oklahoma's Department of Transportation (DOT) to cover the cost of replacing curbs, inlets, inlet grates, and related drainage components on municipal streets that continue state or federal highways. It applies specifically to cities with populations under 100,000 (per the latest federal census) and excludes mill-and-inlay road projects. The bill mandates the DOT to update its administrative rules to include these repairs in project scopes. This policy change directly affects local municipalities by shifting maintenance costs from cities to the state DOT for qualifying street infrastructure.

HB 1447 amends Oklahoma's tax code to clarify and update exemptions for motor vehicle sales and related taxes. It specifies that motor vehicle sales are exempt from state sales tax when the Oklahoma Motor Vehicle Excise Tax has been paid, including a 1.25% exemption on gross receipts (previously unclear), and adds a new exemption for electric vehicles meeting specific criteria. The bill also clarifies that motor vehicle sales are not subject to local sales taxes and adjusts technical language in tax collection rules. It directly affects vehicle dealers, buyers, and tax collectors by streamlining how exemptions apply. The bill is a technical amendment focused on existing tax rules, not creating new tax breaks.

HB 1236 amends Oklahoma's tax code to clarify and expand exemptions for motor vehicle sales. It specifically adds electric vehicles (low-speed or medium-speed) to the list of vehicles exempt from sales tax when the Oklahoma Motor Vehicle Excise Tax has been paid. The bill also clarifies that trade-in value is excluded when calculating gross receipts for motor vehicle sales tax purposes. This directly affects motor vehicle buyers, dealers, and tax collectors by standardizing when sales tax applies. The changes ensure electric vehicles receive the same tax treatment as conventional vehicles for sales tax exemption purposes.

SB 739 prohibits specific public entities from withholding retainage (hold-back payments) on certain construction contracts in Oklahoma. It directly affects contractors working with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (DOT), Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, and railroads on privately owned rail property. The bill bans DOT and the Turnpike Authority from withholding retainage on their projects, and also prohibits retainage on contracts requiring bonds. This takes effect on November 1, 2025.