Sales tax exemption working its way through the House

The Oklahoma House of Representatives Appropriations & Budget Committee has approved legislation to exempt 501(c)3 nonprofits from sales tax.

Rep. Marilyn Stark, R-Bethany, said making Oklahoma's 501(c)3 charitable nonprofit organizations sales tax exempt has been one of her top priorities for years and House Bill 1568 is the culmination of several sessions spent learning, tweaking and working with agencies and committees. Under the bill, 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations established in the state who receive $3 million or less in annual gross revenue would be exempt from sales tax.

"Historically, a dollar in the hands of a nonprofit yields about $5 in as- sistance to their clients," said Stark, who held an interim study on sales tax exemptions for nonprofits in October 2022. "Nonprofit entities are passionate about what they do and most of them do it very well. The government shouldn't be limiting people who are passionate about caring for others; instead, we should be empowering those who help lessen the reliance on government, and exempting our nonprofits is a fantastic step in the right direction."

The measure stipulates that alc’ohol and tobacco purchases are not considered exempt purchases.

HB1568 passed the House A&B Committee 33-0 last week and now moves to the House floor.

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(The following arrest reports are provided by the Edmond Police Department. Guilt or innocence is determined in a court of law. Also, CDS is controlled dangerous substance; APC is Actual Physical Control; DUI is driving under the influence.)

Feb. 21

Nailah Elaine Clincy, 31 of Midwest City. Possess drug paraphernalia and possess of CDS.

Aurianna Lynn Trolinger, 22 of Edmond. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and speeding (16-20 mph over)

Rodrigo Ramirez, 40 of Edmond. Non-assault resisting officer and public intoxication.

Arman Allah Chowdhury, 20 of Edmond. Breaking and entering, reach or gain control of firearm — assault & battery (felony) on police officer or correctional staff, assault and battery, public intoxication an obstruction of a police officer.

Feb. 22

Trevor Sebastian Drake Heiskill, 21 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more.

Scott Anthony Lehman Jr., 38 of Edmond. Two counts of failure to appear.

Brett Michael Gaunt, 41 homeless. Misdemeanor warrant.

Bruce Franklin Redman, 59 homeless. Trespassing and four counts of failure to appear.

David Arnaze Chandler III, 42 of Oklahoma City. (Drug related) possession of contraband in a penal institution and a felony warrant.

Joshua Marquiss Vann, 34 of Tulsa. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Amanda Renae Lay, 36 of Edmond. A felony warrant and seven misdemeanor warrants.

Jeremy Antwon Parker, 30 of Oklahoma City. Failure to appear.

Elijah Tee Gill, 31 of Edmond. Felony warrant.

Feb. 23

Khoryon Demond Hornbeak, 20 of Edmond. Carrying a weapon under the influence of alcohol or drugs and carrying firearms where liquor is consumed.

Peyton Scott Mitchell, 22 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Amanda Annette Jurries, 42 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

David Scott Robinson, 32 of Edmond. Speeding (11 to 14 mph over) and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Stephanie Dawn Wheeler, 35 of Edmond. Disregard signal light, no proof of insurance and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Yan-Amont Billy Darianssen, 49 homeless. Public intoxication, possession of drug paraphernalia and See Arrests, Page 7