Bill could cut Oklahoma's mandatory grocery, gas tax
The Price Control Act was enacted into law in 1949 and added a 6% markup to goods and essential items, like gasoline, groceries, pet food, and medications. Oklahoma is one of only seven states to have the tax, and the second highest percentage among states who still implement a similar markup tax.
'Most other states have moved away from this mandatory markup,' said Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville. 'I believe it's time for us to do the same.'
Daniels is the author of Senate Bill 638, which would eliminate the markup. It has easily passed through the Senate side at the Capitol. Some lawmakers did question if the bill would allow for more competitive prices or simply hurt the little guy.
Senator Steve Bashore, R-Miami, has co-sponsored the bill on the House side.
Bill proposes criminal charges for violating service animal rules
'This doesn't eliminate the tax, but it gives businesses an option,' said Bashore. 'Businesses can still mark their prices up if they want to.'
Jim Randall is the chairman of the Oklahoma State Council on Aging.
'Oklahomans as a whole spend roughly $14,310 annually on groceries in that is an extra 6% that instead of being allowed to be in the competitive marketplace, is an imposition,' said Randall.
He said people on a fixed income will benefit most from the change.'For every bit of extra dollars they have to spend on this, that puts them in a position to where they may have to compromise,' said Randall. 'Whether or not they go pick up a prescription, whether they go to a doctor or whether they have other services that are necessary and vital to their health.'
The bill will be heard during the House committee at the Capitol on Tuesday at 3 p.m.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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