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July 3, 2025
NFIB State Director Jerrod Shouse discusses what small business owners need to know from this year’s legislative session.
The Oklahoma Legislature adjourned its regular session on May 30, 2025, after 116 days of activity, where NFIB secured several important victories and warded off some harmful proposals. NFIB State Director Jerrod Shouse held a virtual event to recap the legislative session. During the event, Shouse outlined several victories, challenges, and opportunities for reform in future legislative sessions.
CLICK HERE to watch the full virtual event.
Below are a handful of the small business victories, challenges, and opportunities discussed during the event.
VICTORIES
- SB 453: Restoring Fairness in Oklahoma’s Judicial System
NFIB was proud to support Senate Bill 453, which puts a cap on non-economic damages in civil lawsuits, which will help create a more predictable legal climate for small business owners. The Governor signed the bill into law.
- HB 2764: Much-Needed Tax Relief
NFIB was also proud to support House Bill 2764, which lowers the personal income tax rate from 4.75% to 4.5%, allowing Main Street employers to invest more of their hard-earned money into their employees, businesses, and communities.
- HB 1592: Combatting Organized Retail Crime
NFIB was also proud to support House Bill 1592, which responds to the increasing threat posed by organized theft rings to Oklahoma’s retailers and economy. The Legislature overrode the Governor’s veto.
CHALLENGES
A large part of our job is combating bad bills that are filed. Even in Oklahoma, there were dozens of bad bills introduced this session that would have made it harder for you to own and operate your small business, including minimum wage hikes and employer mandates, such as paid family medical leave.
Though these bills did not pass, it is safe to assume they will be reintroduced next year. NFIB will continue to oppose these bills.
Shouse also discussed the Oklahoma State ballot question 832, which would raise the minimum wage to an hour.
OPPORTUNITIES
- Addressing the Cost of Health Insurance
For nearly 40 years, small businesses have identified the cost of health insurance as the number one long-term small business problem. NFIB worked with the business community to bring transparency and accountability to state health care mandates. HB 1161 creates transparency by establishing a process to estimate how proposed legislation will affect the cost of private health coverage.
- Addressing Credit Card Swipe Fees
Small businesses that accept credit cards are often frustrated by rapidly rising swipe fees. NFIB will continue working with members of the business community to address these challenges.
CLICK HERE to watch the full virtual event.
KEY TAKEAWAY: Stay Engaged With Your State Lawmakers
While there are many pro-small business lawmakers in the Oklahoma Legislature, your advocacy makes a difference! This session, NFIB Oklahoma secured several important victories and warded off some harmful proposals through our direct advocacy at the Capitol in Oklahoma City. We hope you’ll continue to actively reach out and voice your concerns with lawmakers.
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NFIB is a member-driven organization advocating on behalf of small and independent businesses nationwide.
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