Veterans (Veteran Benefits)

SB 303 expands Oklahoma's property tax relief program to include disabled veterans and certain first responders. It allows honorably discharged veterans with a 75% service-connected disability, plus police, firefighters, or law enforcement officers receiving disability retirement for line-of-duty injuries, to claim tax relief on their primary residence. The bill modifies income limits and caps annual relief at $1,000 (up from $200), applying to households meeting income thresholds set by HUD. This change takes effect January 1, 2026, and directly affects eligible disabled service members and their surviving spouses.

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to expand Oklahoma's homestead tax exemption for disabled veterans. It would allow veterans with disability ratings from 10% to 100% (previously limited to 100%) to qualify for a tiered tax exemption on their home's value: 25% for 10-29% disability, 50% for 30-49%, 75% for 50-69%, and 100% for 70-100%. Surviving spouses of qualifying veterans would also be eligible. To qualify, veterans must prove Oklahoma residency, have a VA-certified disability, and meet existing homestead exemption requirements. The amendment would take effect January 1, 2026.

SB 1336 creates the Oklahoma Veterans Higher Education Access Act, providing tuition waivers for eligible veterans with service-connected disabilities rated at 60% or higher. It covers 50% to 100% of undergraduate tuition/fees at public universities or 50% to 100% of tuition at technology centers, based on disability rating (e.g., 60% disability = 50% waiver; 100% disability = 100% waiver). Veterans must first use all available federal education benefits, and waivers apply only to required courses (max 150 credits) or career programs (max 3 years), excluding textbooks or housing. The state must annually fund these waivers through legislative appropriations, subject to budget availability.