Rep. Cyndi Munson

Maddy summarySB 72 updates Oklahoma's Sales Tax Relief Act to adjust income thresholds and refund amounts for low-income residents filing for sales tax refunds. For 2025 and beyond, single filers without dependents or special circumstances may claim up to $200 annually if their household income is under $35,000 (or $100 under $40,000). Individuals with dependents, disabilities, or who are 65+ may claim up to $200 under $45,000 (or $150 under $50,000). The bill directly affects Oklahoma residents meeting these income criteria who file annual sales tax relief claims.

Maddy summarySB 72 updates Oklahoma's Sales Tax Relief Act for tax years 2025 and later. It raises income limits for qualifying residents: individuals without additional exemptions can claim relief if household income is ≤$35,000 (receiving $200 per exemption) or ≤$40,000 ($100 per exemption). For those with exemptions, disabilities, or age 65+, the limits are $45,000 ($200) or $50,000 ($150) per exemption. The bill replaces the previous fixed $40 relief amount with these tiered, higher payments. This directly affects low-income Oklahoma residents filing for sales tax relief under the Act.

Maddy summaryHB 2230, the Oklahoma Minimum Wage Act of 2025, increases the state's minimum wage to $15.00 per hour or the current federal minimum wage, whichever is higher, for all covered workers in Oklahoma. The bill directly affects all employees in covered industries across the state, requiring employers to pay this new minimum rate. Key provisions include amending Oklahoma Statutes Section 197.2 to establish this updated wage floor and setting an effective date of November 1, 2025. The law replaces the previous minimum wage rate with this higher standard for all hours worked.

Maddy summaryHB 2230, the Oklahoma Minimum Wage Act of 2025, would increase Oklahoma's state minimum wage to $15.00 per hour or the current federal minimum wage, whichever is higher, for all hours worked by employees. This change would directly affect most hourly workers in Oklahoma currently paid below $15 per hour (or below the federal rate, if higher), including those in retail, hospitality, and service industries. The bill amends Oklahoma Statutes Title 40, Section 197.2 to establish this new rate and requires employers to pay the higher of the state or federal minimum wage. It would take effect on November 1, 2025, replacing the current state minimum wage rate.

Maddy summaryHB 2256 creates a revolving fund in the Oklahoma State Treasury to support apprenticeship scholarships for high school graduates. The fund, financed by state appropriations and private donations, will provide grants covering tuition and fees for eligible students entering federally approved technical apprenticeship programs through Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committees. Applications for these grants will be reviewed competitively statewide by the Oklahoma State Board of Career and Technology Education. The program becomes effective November 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2256 creates a revolving fund in the Oklahoma State Treasury called the "Apprentice Scholarship Program Revolving Fund" to support high school graduates entering approved apprenticeship programs in technical trades. The fund, financed by state appropriations and private donations, will allow the Oklahoma State Board of Career and Technology Education to award annual competitive grants covering tuition and fees for eligible students. These grants are specifically for graduates enrolling in federally approved apprenticeship programs through Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committees. The program becomes effective November 1, 2025, with the Board setting application criteria and rules for distribution.

Maddy summaryHB 2234 updates Oklahoma's Massage Therapy Practice Act by creating two new bodies: an Advisory Board (with three licensed therapists, one school representative, and one citizen) to advise on qualifications and standards, and an Oversight Committee (selected by the Advisory Board) to handle complaints, investigate violations, and recommend disciplinary actions. The bill also sets licensing fees at $25 for pre-May 2017 licenses and $50 annually for new licenses after that date, with a $10 duplicate fee. It requires the Oversight Committee to provide annual training on sexual harassment, assault, and professional conduct. The law takes effect November 1, 2025, directly affecting licensed massage therapists and their regulatory process in Oklahoma.

Maddy summaryHB 2234 updates Oklahoma's Massage Therapy Practice Act by creating two new oversight bodies: an Advisory Board (with 5 members including licensed therapists and educators) and an Oversight Committee (to handle complaints and disciplinary actions). It directly affects licensed massage therapists, massage therapy schools, and the State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering, which gains expanded enforcement authority. The bill sets licensing fees at $25 for licenses issued before May 1, 2017, and $50 annually thereafter, while requiring annual training on professional conduct for oversight members. The changes take effect November 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2241 allows Oklahoma taxpayers to claim a 50% tax credit (up to $1,000 annually) for purchasing firearm safety devices like gun safes, lock boxes, or storage cases starting in 2026. The credit applies only to qualifying safety devices - not firearms themselves - and cannot reduce a taxpayer's liability below zero. Unused credit amounts may be carried forward for up to five years. This policy directly affects Oklahoma residents who buy qualifying safety equipment for storing firearms.

Maddy summaryHB 2232 updates eligibility rules for Oklahoma's Higher Learning Access Program, which provides financial aid for higher education. It sets annual family income thresholds for financial need eligibility, starting at $55,000 in 2017-2018 and increasing to $100,000 by 2018-2019, with adjustments based on dependent children (e.g., $60,000 for ≤2 dependents, $80,000 for ≥5). Public and private schools must designate a contact person (e.g., counselor) to help students enroll and monitor participation requirements, including regular school attendance and avoiding substance abuse or violent behavior. Students who fail to meet these terms lose eligibility for program benefits.