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MEDIA STATEMENT – SENATE BILL 415
(OKLAHOMA CITY) – The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA) is applauding the passage of Senate Bill 415, authored by Sen. Frank Simpson (R-Springer) and Rep. Tommy Hardin (R-Madill), the House sponsor of the measure. The bill offers protection for the sales tax exemption provided to Oklahoma’s 100 percent disabled veterans.
“Senate Bill 415 will benefit our military veterans in a multitude of ways,” said Joel Kintsel, ODVA executive director. “Most importantly, it will eliminate fraud in the sales tax system ensuring our 100 percent disabled veterans receive the benefits they are entitled to without adversely impacting local government revenue.”
Kintsel said the bill also closes a loophole in current law that prevented otherwise eligible surviving spouses of 100 percent disabled veterans from utilizing the sales tax exemption.
To continue using the sales tax exemption, 100 percent disabled veterans will be required to register with the Oklahoma Veterans Registry. Veterans currently using the sales tax exemption will have until July 1, 2023, to complete a one-time registration verifying eligibility. All veterans who receive a rating of 100 percent in the future will also be required to complete a one-time registration.
This is a one-time registration only and will not require annual registration. The Oklahoma Veterans Registry can be accessed at www.odva.ok.gov under the About ODVA tab.
The Veterans Registry will also help Oklahoma veterans stay better informed of benefits, services, and information that may affect them or their families.
SB 415 went into effect upon Gov. Kevin Stitt’s signature on April 28, 2021.
About ODVA
The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs provides resources and services to military veterans residing in the state of Oklahoma including assistance with state and federal veterans’ benefits, disability claims, burial and survivor benefits, healthcare, employment,
education, suicide prevention, entrepreneurship, and veteran-owned businesses, women veteran services and veterans in agriculture. ODVA also operates seven long-term care facilities throughout Oklahoma for veterans. To learn more, visit www.odva.ok.gov.
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