Sen. Kristen Thompson’s Bill Expanding Back-to-School Tax Holiday Passes Unanimously in Committee

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation to help Oklahoma families keep more money in their pockets ahead of the new school year cleared its first hurdle Monday as Senate Bill 231, authored by Sen. Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, unanimously passed the Senate Committee on Revenue and Taxation with an 11-0 vote.

SB 231 seeks to ease the financial burden for Oklahoma families by expanding the state's annual sales tax holiday. The legislation would exempt additional essential back-to-school items, including sportswear, school supplies, school art supplies, instructional materials, and computer supplies, from sales tax. The expanded exemption period would run from the first Friday of August through the following Sunday each year.

“With inflation still impacting so many Oklahoma families, every dollar counts. This bill is about making back-to-school shopping more affordable and less stressful for parents, guardians, teachers, and students,” Thompson said. “Investing in education means removing barriers for our students and educators, and SB 231 will ensure more Oklahoma children have what they need to succeed in the classroom.”

Thompson highlighted that the expanded sales tax exemption will not only provide relief for families but also support local businesses through increased foot traffic during the tax-free weekend.

"I'm encouraged by the unanimous support this bill has received so far and look forward to working with my colleagues to get it across the finish line,” Thompson added.

SB 231 will now advance to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration.

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For more information, contact: Sen. Kristen Thompson at 405-521-5592 or Kristen.Thompson@oksenate.gov.