Why It Matters: Though their legislative session started later than many other states, Oklahoma has wasted little time moving several key pieces of legislation that will be important to sportsmen and women. The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) is working closely with in-state partners and members of the Oklahoma Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus to protect and advance opportunities for sportsmen and women in the Sooner State while supporting the American System of Conservation Funding.
Highlights
- The Oklahoma Legislature has been back in session for three weeks and is already moving on several key pieces of legislation related to our time-honored outdoor traditions.
- Chief among the list of bills moving already are: House Bill 4086 which would increase the fee of the state’s waterfowl stamp and House Bill 3429 which would create a sales tax holiday for rifle ammunition ahead of the state’s firearms deer season.
- In addition to these and other priorities, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation is continuing our support for Senate Bill 941, a bill that is the culmination of many years of effort by the agency and the sporting-conservation community, which would significantly overhaul and simplify Oklahoma’s hunting and fishing license structure while providing much-needed funding for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
Though their 2024 legislative session began several weeks after many other midwestern states, Oklahoma has wasted little time moving on legislation relevant to sportsmen and women. These efforts include many priorities led by members and leaders of the Oklahoma Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus. An overview of a couple key pieces of legislation and an update on a priority carried over from the 2023 session are provided below.
House Bill 4086 – This bill, originally titled the Oklahoma Wildlife Act of 2024, began as a “shell bill” that was designed to be amended as priorities arise after the state’s bill filing deadline. Since that time, HB 4086 has, in fact, been amended to be authored by Oklahoma Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus Co-Chair and National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses Executive Council Member Representative Kevin Wallace and would now create a much-needed price increase of Oklahoma’s waterfowl stamp. This CSF-supported bill was heard in the House Appropriations and Budget Committee last week and passed out of Committee with unanimous consent.
House Bill 3429 – This priority bill would create a sales tax holiday for rifle ammunition during the weekend leading up to Oklahoma’s firearms deer season. Outdoor sporting goods sales tax holidays represent a great incentive for sportsmen and women, encouraging them to purchase additional gear or supplies while contributing to the “user pays – public benefits” American System of Conservation Funding. Like HB 4086, HB 3429 was heard in the House Appropriations and Budget Committee where it was also passed.
Senate Bill 941 – Finally, this priority bill would significantly simplify Oklahoma’s hunting and fishing license framework while providing much needed price increases necessary to support the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. This bill was introduced in 2023 and carried over into the 2024 session, where it awaits further action on the House Floor. CSF and partners maintain their support for this bill and the benefits that it would provide for sportsmen and women, as well as conservation efforts, in Oklahoma.
