House passes bill renewing option to donate part of tax return to veterans fund
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Summary
The Oklahoma House unanimously passed House Bill 3044, renewing a measure that lets taxpayers donate a portion of their tax refunds to an Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs equipment and capital improvements program. The bill was advanced and passed on third reading by voice and roll call (95–0).
The Oklahoma House advanced and passed House Bill 3044 on third reading, renewing an existing tax-donation mechanism that allows taxpayers to contribute a portion of their tax refunds to support the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs equipment and capital improvement program.
Leader West, who introduced the measure on the floor, said the law has been in effect since 2001 and must be renewed every four years. "House Bill 3044 is current law. It’s been law since 2001. We got to renew it every 4 years," West said, adding that the statute permits donations from taxpayers to the veterans equipment and capital improvement program.
Why it matters: The bill preserves an option for taxpayers to direct a portion of personal income tax refunds or returns to a state veterans' program that funds equipment and capital improvements. Supporters described the change as a routine statutory renewal necessary to maintain the existing donation mechanism.
On a motion from Leader West to advance the bill from general order, the House placed HB 3044 on third reading. West then moved final passage; the clerk called the roll and the tally was announced as "95 aye, 0 nay." The presiding officer declared the bill passed.
No amendments or substantive debate were recorded on the floor during the bill's third reading. The clerk and presiding officer handled procedural steps for advancement and final passage.
The House adjourned for the day and is scheduled to reconvene on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.