Oklahoma Senate Bill SB960

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

County severance tax; authorizing county election for tax on aggregates; providing maximum tax; providing for apportionment; providing credit. Effective date.

Impact

Should SB960 be enacted, it would empower counties to generate revenue for local businesses engaged in aggregate production while also enhancing local infrastructure. The proposed tax would split its revenues equally between the county's general fund for road construction and municipal funds allocated by population. This provision is aimed at ensuring that local governments have adequate financial resources for vital infrastructure projects that benefit their communities.

Summary

Senate Bill 960 authorizes counties in Oklahoma to levy a severance tax on certain materials that are surface mined within their boundaries. The bill specifies that the tax can only be imposed with voter approval through a special election. Counties must clearly identify the purpose of the tax when presenting it to voters, ensuring that there is transparency regarding how the funds will be used. If passed, the tax would not exceed ten cents ($0.10) per ton on the production of all surface mined materials, excluding coal. The bill also outlines exemptions, including materials mined for personal use and limestone extracted for agricultural purposes.

Contention

While supporters of SB960 argue that it promotes local control and provides counties with a necessary tool to fund infrastructure, opponents may raise concerns about the potential financial burden on businesses operating in these counties. Critics might argue that imposing a severance tax could deter investment in mining operations or lead to increased costs that are ultimately passed on to consumers. Furthermore, the requirement for voter approval could complicate the process and introduce variability in revenue generation across different jurisdictions, leading to inconsistencies in how local governments fund their projects.