House approves tax credit for donors to pregnancy resource centers

House Bill 12 01, a revenue-and-taxation bill establishing a tax credit for donors to qualifying pregnancy resource centers and maternity homes, passed the Oklahoma House.

Representative Maynard, sponsor of the bill, said the credit would apply to donations to pregnancy resource centers and other qualified centers, including maternity homes and centers that provide care for mothers and children post birth. He told members there are "roughly about 40 centers in the state right now" and that some centers are approved through the Choosing Childbirth Act and receive state funding from the Department of Health.

Why it matters: the bill creates a targeted tax incentive to encourage private giving to maternal and postnatal support centers; sponsors framed it as building on previous credits for scholarships and other nonprofit activities.

Floor questions touched on program details. Representative Poguemello asked how many centers exist; Maynard replied with the roughly 40 figure. Members asked whether centers must be 501(c)(3) organizations; Maynard said the bill requires that status. Representative Pogue Miller asked why the bill allows the director to establish a procedure to not accept donations; Maynard explained nonprofits sometimes must decline donations they cannot administer consistent with donor intent, and he included the provision to ensure nonprofits retain the right to decline unsuitable contributions.

The House recorded final passage by roll call as 78 aye and 13 nay. The bill will move forward in the legislative process for enrollment and further action.