The First Session of the 60th Legislature is underway, and committees have already started meeting.
I passed several bills in the House Appropriations & Budget Finance Subcommittee, and I’ll present more.
Here’s a look at the bills that passed: House Bill 1198 addresses a crucial aspect to our senior property tax freeze in Oklahoma. This measure seeks to simplify the calculation for gross income, which would make it much easier for county tax assessors and for the citizens of our state so they can more easily tell if they qualify.
House Bill 1200 would move Oklahoma from a triple to a single factor apportionment for corporate taxes. Currently, a corporation is taxed on property, payroll and sales in our state. This measure would tax only based on sales made inside this state. Currently, our tax code is punitive to those who want to come and invest in Oklahoma. If they increase payroll or build a new facility, they pay more in tax. Taxing only on sales would be a benefit for our state and an incentive for employers to move here.
House Bill 1201 would provide a 70% tax credit for those who donate to pregnancy resource centers beginning in tax year 2026. I anticipate a friendly amendment on this bill to be able to include post-natal care centers that offer free services to mothers outside of a hospital setting. Oklahoma’s nearly 40 pregnancy resource centers play a vital role in assisting lowincome women and families, offering services such as free ultrasounds, pregnancy tests, counseling, parenting programs, and more. By incentivizing donations through this tax credit, the state not only invests in a valuable network that provides essential healthcare but also puts the power back in the hands of the people to decide which centers these tax credits will ultimately benefit.
Each of these bills passed unanimously and now are eligible to be considered by the full Appropriations & Budget Committee.
As this was the first week of the legislative session, the House and Senate convened jointly to hear the governor’s annual State of the State address. I was pleased to hear the governor’s hopes for an income tax cut even as we work to ensure we’re prepared for any economic downturn. I also like hearing the goal of making Oklahoma the best in the nation for business while working to preserve our Oklahoma way of life. These priorities align well with my own goals.
Also last week, the Legislature observed Rose Day. Hundreds of people gather each year at the Capitol for this observance, passing out roses that symbolize the life of an unborn child. The House adopted a resolution affirming our belief in the sanctity of life beginning at conception and celebrating this day. I was happy to sign on as a co-author of the measure.
Cody Maynard serves District 21 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes parts of Bryan and Marshall counties.
