This week, the House is reviewing 321 Senate bills as they move through the comm ittee process before advancing to the floor for debate and votes. I am proud to coauthor several key pieces of legislation that will positively impact Oklahomans across various industries.
Alongside Sen. Dave Rader, I am working to implement a flat 4.75% income tax through Senate Bill 304.
This bill also eliminates federal income tax deductions at the state level while establishing a standard deduction of $13,550 for single filers, $27,100 for joint filers, and $19,225 for head-ofhousehold filers. Simplifying the tax code and providing a predictable tax rate will make Oklahoma more attractive for businesses and residents alike.
This plan embodies fiscal responsibility by reducing the complexity of the tax system, promoting economic growth through lower taxes and fostering a business-friendly environment. By reducing the tax burden and creating a more transparent system, we are empowering individuals and businesses to keep more of their hard-earned money, which will drive prosperity and encourage investment here in our Great State.
I’m co-authoring SB112 with Sen. David Bullard to strengthen the plumbing trade by creating two new licenses: “residential journeyman plumber” and “unlimited journeyman plumber.” This distinction ensures targeted expertise, maintains high standards, and helps address workforce shortages. Homeowners get specialized professionals, and businesses gain a larger, qualified labor pool—supporting industry growth while ensuring quality and safety for Oklahomans.
Senate Bill 351, which I am co-authoring with Sen. Avery Frix, supports transparency in transactions by ensuring there is no cap on cash or check payment discounts. Additionally, if a seller chooses to pass on credit card processing fees, they must clearly itemize the charges. This ensures consumers have full clarity on their costs, promotes financial transparency, and allows businesses to operate with fewer governmentimposed restrictions.
In partnership with Sen. Brent Howard, I am co-authoring Senate Bill 1032, which tightens regulations around alcohol sales. The bill requires licensed establishments to prove compliance with Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement (ABLE) Commission policies if they claim an employee’s actions were not attributable to the business. This legislation reinforces accountability and aims to reduce illegal alcohol sales to minors and intoxicated individuals while protecting responsible business owners.
In other news from the Capitol, we celebrated Aerospace Day on April 2, showcasing the strength of Oklahoma’s second-largest economic sector. AERO Oklahoma brought together aviation and aerospace professionals, military personnel, educators, and students to highlight the industry’s vital role in driving our state’s economy. It was a great opportunity to engage with stakeholders and reaffirm our commitment to supporting this essential sector.
We were excited to welcome the leaders of the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APPNA) to the People’s House and honor their contributions. I had the privilege of presenting them with a citation recognizing their dedication to advancing medical education, scientific development, and equitable health care. As one of the largest ethnic medical societies in North America, APPNA represents more than 15,000 physicians and health care professionals of Pakistani descent who serve communities across the United States.
Their commitment to excellence in medicine and ensuring quality care for all, regardless of race, color, creed or gender, is truly commendable.
As always, I appreciate the opportunity to represent you at the Capitol. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns. My email address is neil.hays@okhouse.gov, or you can call my office at (405) 557-7302. I am proud to represent you at the State Capitol!
Neil Hays serves District 13 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes parts of McIntosh, Muskogee and Wagoner counties.
