Oklahoma Senate Bill SB627

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/3/25
• Refer: 2/4/25

Caption

Storm shelters; authorizing certain building standards and establishing certain tax credit. Effective date.

Impact

The legislation also proposes a tax credit for individuals and businesses that install storm shelters. For expenditures related to the construction or installation of storm shelters, individuals can receive a 25% tax credit for single-family residences and existing multi-family housing units, while new multi-family homes would qualify for a 20% credit. This financial incentive is designed to encourage the adoption of storm safety measures and make compliance more affordable for homeowners and developers alike, thereby promoting public safety and resilience against potential tornado damage.

Summary

Senate Bill 627 aims to enhance public safety in Oklahoma by establishing standards for storm shelters in newly constructed multiunit housing developments. It mandates the Oklahoma Uniform Building Code Commission to create specific building codes that ensure the installation of storm shelters that comply with recommendations from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This initiative is a response to frequent tornado threats in the region and seeks to increase the safety of residents in multi-family units by providing adequate protection during severe weather events.

Contention

While SB627 has garnered support for its intention to improve safety, there could be contention regarding the financial implications for developers and taxpayers. Some may argue that the required installations and the associated credits could result in increased housing costs or complications with existing housing policies. Additionally, there may be debate over the adequacy of the recommended FEMA standards and whether they are sufficient for the diverse environmental conditions found across the state.