Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

Oklahoma House Bill HB4126

Introduced
2/5/24  
Refer
2/6/24  

Caption

Revenue and taxation; sales tax; exemptions; drugs; diapers and baby wipes; feminine hygiene products; baby bottles; breast milk pumping products; maternity clothing; postpartum care products; effective date.

Impact

The proposed amendments to existing sales tax regulations are expected to have a significant impact on the economics surrounding family-related expenses. By providing exemptions for these essential items, the bill aims to ensure greater accessibility and affordability for families, particularly new parents. The exemptions would specifically focus on reducing the direct costs associated with raising children, thereby promoting better health outcomes. State revenues from sales tax on these products would diminish; however, proponents argue that the long-term benefits for public health justify this financial consideration.

Summary

House Bill 4126 is aimed at amending the existing Oklahoma Sales Tax Code to expand exemptions for sales tax on various products related to health and parenting. This includes items such as certain drugs, diapers, baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, and breastfeeding supplies. Additionally, the bill encompasses maternity clothing and postpartum care products, presenting a comprehensive approach to alleviating the financial burden on families and caregivers. By enacting this bill, the legislature intends to promote public health and wellbeing among mothers and young children, which is seen as a positive development by many stakeholders concerned with family welfare.

Contention

There might be contention surrounding the bill in terms of its financial implications for local governments, which rely on sales tax revenues to fund various services. By exempting a wider array of health-related products from sales tax, critics may argue that the bill could lead to potential budget shortfalls, impacting local services negatively. Nevertheless, supporters counter that investing in family health through cost reductions on essential products will yield deeper societal benefits and may even lead to reduced reliance on healthcare services down the line. As such, robust debates are expected within the legislature regarding the balance between taxation and family health initiatives.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK HB2122

Revenue and taxation; sales tax exemption; menstrual hygiene products; effective date; emergency.

OK HB2733

Revenue and taxation; sales tax; exemptions; diapers; formula; effective date; emergency.

OK HB1009

Revenue and taxation; sales tax exemption; veterans; effective date.

OK SB382

Feminine hygiene products; adding definitions; creating the Feminine Hygiene Program; creating the Feminine Hygiene Program Revolving Fund; stating purpose of program. Effective date.

OK HB2027

Revenue and taxation; sales tax exemption; hearing aids; effective date; emergency.

OK HB2665

Revenue and taxation; sales tax; exemptions; veterans; surviving spouse; effective date; emergency.

OK HB2317

Revenue and taxation; sales tax; rolling stock; effective date.

OK HB2732

Revenue and taxation; sales tax exemptions; veterans; surviving spouses; children; effective date; emergency.

OK HB2602

Revenue and taxation; sales tax exemptions; flat bed additions; vehicles; agriculture; livestock; effective date; emergency.

OK HB2312

Revenue and taxation; sales tax; exemptions; disabled veterans; surviving spouses; disability determination; effective date; emergency.

Similar Bills

OK SB1237

Aircraft excise tax; eliminating tax for certain years; modifying sales tax exemption for sales of aircraft. Effective date.

OK HB1348

Heavy equipment rentals; recovery fee; exemptions; requiring report to Tax Commission; effective date; emergency.

OK HB1348

Heavy equipment rentals; recovery fee; exemptions; requiring report to Tax Commission; effective date; emergency.

OK SB463

Sales tax exemption; extending date for rolling stock exemption. Effective date.

OK SB463

Sales tax exemption; extending date for rolling stock exemption. Effective date.

OK SB1215

Sales tax; eliminating certain deadline for qualification for veterans sales tax exemption. Emergency.

OK HB1588

Revenue and taxation; sales tax exemption for forestry equipment; effective date.

OK HB1406

Revenue and taxation; sales tax exemptions; disabled veterans; spouse and guardian; effective date.