News

Oklahoma 529 offers 2024 state tax deduction through April 15 filing deadline

March 20, 2025

Oklahoma City (March 18, 2025) – With the tax filing date approaching, State Treasurer Todd Russ wants to remind Oklahoma families there’s still time to open or contribute to an Oklahoma 529 account. Oklahoma taxpayers have until April 15, 2025, to qualify for a state deduction on their 2024 Oklahoma state tax return. Contributing to…

Stillwater Wildfires – Assessment of Aftermath and Stillwater Strong Relief

March 20, 2025

(Stillwater, OK) – City of Stillwater remains alert to the potential for additional wildfires for the next couple of days while firefighters continue to extinguish hotspots, and work with administration, staff, and state and federal agencies to assess structural loss and damages. “While we are still in the response phase with our first responders, the…

Oklahoma income-tax repeal advances

March 13, 2025 Ray Carter

Legislation that would put Oklahoma’s personal income tax on a gradual path to full repeal is now headed to the floor of the Oklahoma House of Representatives. House Bill 1539, by state Rep. Mark Lepak, R-Claremore, would cut the state’s personal income-tax rate by a quarter point each time that net state revenue increases by…

“Fighting Chance for Firefighters Act” passes House, addresses risks

March 13, 2025

“OKLAHOMA CITY – A measure designed to support firefighters in Oklahoma by addressing the risks they face related to occupational cancer has passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Authored by Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, House Bill 2011, also known as the “Fighting Chance for Firefighters Act,” would allow the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to provide…

House Passes Bill to Strengthen Oklahoma Military Bases

March 13, 2025

OKLAHOMA CITY – The House passed legislation off the floor today that would allow for additional state investments in infrastructure tied to Oklahoma’s five military bases. House Speaker Kyle Hilbert authored House Bill 2516 and House Bill 2518, which create revolving funds at the state Treasury for use by the Oklahoma Military Department. The Base…

Bill to Protect Public from Sexual Predators passes House

March 13, 2025

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, on Monday in the House passed a bill that would require child sex offenders to undergo chemical castration before they would be eligible for parole. House Bill 2422 is fashioned after Knight’s Law, which Fetgatter passed in the House last year. That bill was named after young victims…

Bill to Provide Due Process for School Districts Passes House Floor

March 13, 2025

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives approved legislation that would provide public school districts with the opportunity to be heard by the State Board of Education (SBE) before any changes are made to their accreditation status. House Bill 1466, authored by Rep. Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City, would allow for due process procedures for…

Senate Advances Bill to Strengthen Law Enforcement Presence for Major Events

March 13, 2025

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senator Darrell Weaver, R-Moore, received the Senate’s approval for Senate Bill 523 Monday. The measure provides that any Oklahoma sheriff, deputy sheriff, or reserve deputy sheriff shall have the same powers and duties as though employed by the sheriff’s office for which he or she is performing duties outside of his or…

OK bill requiring 50% of school budgets for classroom learning moves forward amid opposition from school lobby group

March 13, 2025 Ray Carter

Legislation that would require schools to devote at least half their budget to classroom learning is headed to a vote of the full Oklahoma House of Representatives, but the bill continues to receive opposition from education entities that argue even less money should be spent on direct student learning. As originally filed, House Bill 1280,…

SB1027 would give OK voters a clearer picture of ballot-measure costs

March 13, 2025 Curtis Shelton

Oklahoma SB1027, authored by state Sen. David Bullard (R-Durant), aims at reforming the state’s initiative petition process. The bill makes a variety of reforms to the process, one of which is a requirement to reveal if a proposed measure will have a fiscal impact (and if so, where that funding would come from). This additional…