House Media

Legislation expanding Oklahoma’s Caring for Caregivers Tax Credit has become law, providing additional relief to families who care for loved ones at home. Rep. Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City, authored House Bill 4118 to broaden eligibility for the tax credit and recognize additional expenses incurred by unpaid family caregivers. The measure removes the minimum age requirement for eligible family members receiving care, increases the income cap and adds mileage for medical appointments as a qualifying expense. Additionally, all filers would qualify for up to $3,000. "Family caregivers are quietly stepping up every day to meet critical needs, often without recognition or support," West said. "By expanding the Caring for Caregivers Tax Credit, we're acknowledging the real financial burden they carry and making sure more Oklahoman can access meaningful relief. This is a practical way to support strong families and keep care close to home." The credit took effect in 2024, and Oklahomans could begin claiming it on their 2025 tax returns. According to AARP, family caregivers spend around $7,200 annually caring for a family member, including transportation, medical needs and daily support. "Oklahoma’s Caring for Caregivers Tax Credit was the first of its kind when it was established a few years ago to help Oklahomans supporting an elderly family member," Hall said. "The unpaid responsibilities that many Oklahomans take on as a parent or grandparent ages often come with thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses for medical care, in-home health aides and transportation to and from doctor’s visits. House Bill 4118 updates this successful tax credit to better reflect the challenges these residents face as they lovingly care for an aging family member at home." HB4118 takes effect Nov. 1, 2026. Oklahomans can begin claiming the credit's additional provisions on their 2026 tax returns.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation authored by Rep. Marilyn Stark, R-Bethany, updating Oklahoma’s process for correcting death certificates has become law without the governor’s signature.  House Bill 3931 updates state law governing requests to correct a death certificate. Under current law, corrections may only be made within one year of issuance. The measure extends that timeframe, allowing individuals to file a petition through the administrative hearing process to correct false information beyond the one-year limit.  "Oklahomans deserve to have an accurate record of their life and death," Stark said. "When a family is grieving, paperwork is not always the first thing on their mind. If an error is discovered later, they should still have a fair opportunity to make it right. We heard from families who had been waiting and following this bill closely because these records matter deeply to them and their loved ones."  The measure helps ensure official records remain accurate while providing families additional flexibility to address errors that may not be identified immediately following a loved one’s death.  Sen. Darcy Jech, R-Kingfisher, is the Senate author of the bill.

The Oklahoma House of Representatives has adopted House Resolution 1058 , recognizing Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week and honoring the law enforcement officers who protect communities across Oklahoma.  Authored by Rep. Erick Harris, R-Edmond, HR1058 acknowledges the courage, sacrifice and dedication of peace officers, while paying tribute to those who lost their lives in the line of duty. Harris said the resolution serves as an important reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face every day in order to keep Oklahoma families safe. "Our law enforcement officers willingly put themselves in harm’s way to protect our communities, uphold the rule of law and serve others before themselves," Harris said. "This resolution is one way we can honor the brave men and women who wear the badge and to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our state and nation. Oklahoma stands firmly behind the heroes in law enforcement who work tirelessly to keep our neighborhoods safe." Rep. John George, R-Newalla, who coauthored the resolution, served with the Oklahoma Police Department for more than 30 years. "As someone who spent most of their life in law enforcement, this week is of course meaningful to me," George said. "I've seen firsthand the horrors that sometimes come with being the first on the scene of a violent crime. But I've also seen the moments when officers change someone's life for the better just by showing up to provide protection or to diffuse a potentially dangerous situation. To all the men and women who put on a uniform and serve the public at great risk, I say thank you. You deserve our recognition and our appreciation. I especially want to take time to remember our fallen officers, those who didn't make it back from their last call. Your ultimate sacrifice is not forgotten. We will keep your families lifted in our prayers, and we will do everything in our power to make sure your service will never be said to have been in vain." The resolution names six law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty within the last year: Deputy Sheriff Thomas "Walker" Lemay of the LeFlore County Sheriff's Office, Trooper Vernon Brake of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Sergeant Thomas Duran of the El Reno Police Department, Deputy Gary Brooks of the Seminole County Sheriff's Office, Recruit Franklin Leinen of the Broken Arrow Police Department, and Reserve Officer Clint Lawrence of the Haileyville Police Department. Following the adoption of the resolution, the House took a moment of silence in remembrance of the six fallen officers and other fallen law enforcement across the nation. National Police Week was established to recognize the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers. Peace Officers Memorial Day is observed annually on May 15.