Bill > SB687

This bill modifies Oklahoma's sales tax rebate program for broadband equipment, primarily focusing on expanding internet services in underserved or unserved areas. The bill transfers administration of the rebate program from the Oklahoma Tax Commission to the Oklahoma Broadband Office beginning in calendar year 2025, with the office responsible for approving or disapproving rebate claims and notifying the Tax Commission of approved claims. The total rebate amount has been significantly reduced from $42 million to $14,071,691, and the program now requires that equipment purchases result in net growth of potential customers in underserved or unserved areas. Qualifying purchases are limited to equipment directly used in distributing broadband internet service, excluding supporting functions like marketing or office operations. The bill also creates the Oklahoma Broadband Rebate Revolving Fund to manage rebate payments, with the state's liability limited to the fund's balance. Claims for rebates must be filed by September 1 of the following year, and the Oklahoma Department of Commerce will prepare an annual report tracking the rural broadband projects completed, without identifying specific entities, to be electronically filed with state leadership and posted on the Oklahoma Broadband Office website.

Budget and Finance

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb687&Session=2600