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Committee backs $25 million cap increase for parental‑choice tax credit

Senate Taxation Committee · February 23, 2026

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Summary

Lawmakers voted to raise the parental‑choice tax credit cap by $25 million to accommodate growing program demand; supporters cited usage data and gradual past increases, while critics questioned outcomes and distribution of benefits to higher‑income families.

The committee approved a committee substitute for Senate Bill 13‑89 to increase the cap on the parental‑choice tax credit by $25,000,000 to allow more families to access the program as demand grows.

Senator Daniels told the committee the program has grown and that "we have 39,485 Oklahoma children using this program right now," arguing a conservative cap increase would keep families from being left on the sidelines. Daniels framed the increase as a measured step rather than an automatic escalation in future years.

Opponents, including Senator Kurt, criticized the proposal as insufficiently justified by outcomes: "We have no data on success in terms of outcomes, student outcomes, graduation..." he said, and presented committee figures showing higher-income households are among substantial recipients of credits. Supporters said past increases were negotiated alongside other budgetary adjustments and that the committee substitute is intended to be fiscally conservative.

The committee recorded 10 ayes and 2 nays and declared SB 13‑89 passed as amended.