Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

Oklahoma Senate Bill SB79

Introduced
2/1/21  
Refer
2/2/21  
Report Pass
2/18/21  
Engrossed
3/3/21  
Refer
3/22/21  
Report Pass
3/25/21  
Enrolled
4/14/21  

Caption

Sales tax; modifying exemption for sales to certain entities related to University Hospitals Trust. Effective date.

Impact

The proposed changes are expected to have significant fiscal implications for the state, particularly regarding how sales tax revenues are collected and distributed. By expanding the exemptions available to University Hospitals Trust, proponents argue that the bill will ultimately enhance healthcare services, potentially leading to better state health outcomes and reduced costs in healthcare delivery. By including nonprofit entities working in connection with the trust, the bill expands the breadth of exemption, which could help improve operational efficiency in the nonprofit sectors that support healthcare activities.

Summary

Senate Bill 79 seeks to modify existing sales tax exemption laws in Oklahoma, specifically by including the University Hospitals Trust as a recipient of certain exemptions. This bill amends Section 1356 of Title 68 of the Oklahoma Statutes to enable tax exemptions for sales of tangible personal property or services made to or by the University Hospitals Trust and certain nonprofit entities associated with it. The goal of this bill is to facilitate better financial operations for healthcare institutions serving the public, particularly in areas like education, training, and healthcare services.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 79 appears to be cautiously positive from its supporters, who see it as a necessary step to optimize healthcare delivery and enhance funding mechanisms for healthcare services. Various healthcare advocates and organizations have expressed support for this bill, recognizing the importance of financial relief for healthcare providers. However, there is also a level of concern regarding the long-term impact on state revenue, as extending tax exemptions could affect the funding available for other public services.

Contention

While there is general support for the underlying goals of the bill, some opponents have raised concerns about the potential for increased tax burdens on other sectors if state revenues decrease significantly as a result of these exemptions. Moreover, questions around accountability and transparency for how the funds exempted through this bill will be utilized have arisen. This contention points to a complex balance that needs to be struck between supporting public health initiatives and ensuring that fiscal responsibilities are met without compromising state budget integrity.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK HB2949

Revenue and taxation; sales tax exemption; University Hospitals Trust; effective date; emergency.

OK SB1244

Sales tax; modifying qualification for certain exemption. Effective date.

OK SB304

Sales tax; providing exemption for certain nonprofit hospitals. Effective date.

OK SB304

Sales tax; providing exemption for certain nonprofit hospitals. Effective date.

OK SB1774

Sales tax; providing exemption for certain nonprofit hospitals. Effective date.

OK HB1854

Revenue and taxation; sales tax; exemptions; nonprofit entities; effective date; emergency.

OK SB1104

Sales tax; modifying sales tax exemption for Blue Star Mothers of America. Effective date.

OK SB310

Sales tax; modifying period and eligibility of exemption for certain museums. Effective date.

OK SB310

Sales tax; modifying period and eligibility of exemption for certain museums. Effective date.

OK SB909

Sales tax; providing exemption for sales to certain museums. Effective date.

Similar Bills

OK SB1445

Sales tax exemption; providing exemption for OSU Medical Authority and Trust and OSU Veterinary Authority and Trust to extend to entities entered into public contracts. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB909

Sales tax; providing exemption for sales to certain museums. Effective date.

OK HB1849

Revenue and taxation; sales tax exemption; school support organizations; effective date.

OK HB2949

Revenue and taxation; sales tax exemption; University Hospitals Trust; effective date; emergency.

OK HB1935

Revenue and taxation; sales tax exemption; nonprofits; construction of affordable housing; disaster repair; effective date.

OK SB1502

Sales tax; extending sales tax exemption to contractors in connection to performance of a contract with a tax exempt entity. Effective date.

OK HB1854

Revenue and taxation; sales tax; exemptions; nonprofit entities; effective date; emergency.

OK HB1171

Revenue and taxation; sales tax exemption; nonprofit entities; limitation on gross revenues; exception for alcohol and tobacco; effective date; emergency.