Senate Bill No. 472, introduced by Bergstrom, amends the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit Act to provide an income tax credit for qualified educational expenses incurred on behalf of eligible students. The bill defines "qualified expenses" to include tuition and fees at accredited private schools, as well as other educational costs such as tutoring services, textbooks, and standardized assessment fees. Notably, the bill specifies that the amount of tuition and fees considered a qualified expense will not include the portions covered by scholarships or discounts. The maximum credit amounts vary based on the combined adjusted gross income of the parents or guardians, with specific caps set for different income brackets.
Additionally, the bill allows eligible students to accept any scholarship, including those from the Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program, while participating in the tax credit program. The Oklahoma Tax Commission is tasked with administering the program, including conducting audits of claimed expenses and reallocating credits as necessary. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2025, and includes provisions for the total amount of credits authorized, application processes, and reporting requirements to ensure transparency and accountability in the program's implementation.