Bill > SB816

This bill introduces a series of tax credits for employers and child care workers in Oklahoma from 2026 to 2030, designed to support child care infrastructure and workforce development. Employers can claim tax credits of up to 30% for various child care-related expenses, including employee child care costs, operating child care facilities, contracting with child care facilities, and constructing child care facilities near workplaces. The bill defines specific terms like "child" (five years old or younger) and "licensed child care facility" (enrolled in Oklahoma's Quality Rating and Improvement System). Employers can receive a maximum of $30,000 in credits per tax year, with unused credits able to be carried forward for up to five subsequent years. Additionally, qualifying child care workers who have been employed for at least eight consecutive months, work in a licensed facility, are enrolled in Oklahoma's Professional Development Ladder, and have earned at least 12 credit hours can receive a refundable $1,000 tax credit. To manage overall program costs, the bill implements annual credit limits of $5 million for 2028 and $14 million for subsequent years, with the Oklahoma Tax Commission adjusting credit percentages proportionally if total credits exceed these limits. The act will become effective on November 1, 2025.