This bill amends existing law regarding the sales tax exemption for qualifying broadband equipment by establishing a rebate program administered by the Oklahoma Broadband Office and the Oklahoma Tax Commission. It outlines the procedures for filing claims, including deadlines for submissions and the requirement that claims must be made on forms prescribed by the Oklahoma Broadband Office. The bill specifies that claims for rebates must be approved based on the purchase of equipment intended to expand broadband services in underserved or unserved areas, and it clarifies the rebate limit, which is set at a total of $42 million, with specific allocations for different population densities.

Additionally, the bill creates the Oklahoma Broadband Rebate Revolving Fund to manage the financial aspects of the rebate program, ensuring that all funds received for this purpose are appropriated for paying rebate claims. The state's liability for rebate payments is limited to the balance of this fund. The bill also includes an appropriation of $15 million to be transferred to the fund for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023, and establishes an effective date of July 1, 2025, while declaring an emergency for immediate implementation.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 68-1357.21
Committee Substitute: 68-1357.21