Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1116

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/3/25
• Refer: 2/4/25

Caption

Ballots; requiring certain language to be printed on ballots with propositions that levy or authorize the levy of a tax. Effective date.

Summary

SB 1116 would require Oklahoma ballots to display the statement “THIS IS A TAX INCREASE.” on any state question or local proposition that increases a tax levy, extends an existing tax levy, or authorizes a state, local government, or other entity to levy a tax. The bill creates a new section of law and also amends existing ballot-format requirements for state questions in Title 26, so that tax-related measures receive a distinct warning above the proposition text. Under the bill, the warning must be printed conspicuously, using the statutory definition of “conspicuous” from Title 12A. For state questions, the phrase would appear above the ballot title and below the question number; for other tax propositions, it would appear above the proposition. The act is set to become effective November 1, 2025.

Impact

The bill would change Oklahoma election law by adding a mandatory ballot disclosure for tax-related measures and by amending 26 O.S. 2021, Section 6-113, which governs the format of ballots for state questions. It would affect the Secretary of the State Election Board, county election officials, and any governmental entity placing a tax levy or tax authorization before voters, requiring ballot design changes and standardized warning language for covered propositions.

Sentiment

The available record shows little direct debate or recorded voting history, so overall sentiment cannot be measured from committee discussion. The bill’s framing suggests a policy preference for greater voter notice and transparency around tax measures, and the fact that it was coauthored indicates at least some legislative support. No opposition arguments are documented in the provided materials.

Contention

The main point of contention is likely the bill’s mandatory characterization of covered measures as a “tax increase,” even when a proposition may extend an existing levy or authorize a new tax rather than raise an existing rate. Supporters would likely view the language as a transparency measure that helps voters understand fiscal impacts, while critics may argue it is politically loaded, potentially misleading, or prejudicial to ballot measures that do not strictly increase taxes. Another possible issue is whether the requirement applies broadly enough to state, local, and other entities, and how election officials would implement the conspicuous-format requirement consistently.