Oklahoma Lawmakers Move to Protect Privacy in School Tax Credit Program
Oklahoma City, OK – In a swift legislative move, Oklahoma lawmakers have advanced a bill aimed at enhancing family privacy concerning the state’s controversial private school tax credit program. Senate Bill 684, which is now awaiting Governor Kevin Stitt’s signature, would prohibit public access to the names of individuals receiving tax credits through the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit program.
The bill seeks to remove individual names from an existing database that details recipients of various tax credits, amidst concerns that exposure might inadvertently reveal sensitive information about children and families. House Speaker Kyle Hilbert emphasized the importance of protecting family privacy, noting that the current database includes only taxpaying adults’ names and their awarded amounts.
However, the bill has faced criticism from House Democrats, who argue that it undermines transparency and accountability in the spending of taxpayer dollars. Critics point out that the program has reportedly benefited higher-income families rather than the low-income students it was originally intended to assist. A recent analysis indicated that over 46% of participants earned more than $150,000, contradicting the program’s intended aim of aiding families earning $150,000 or less.
Additionally, the bill mandates that participating private schools achieve accreditation by March 2027, while priority for the credit will be given to families who received it in the previous year, irrespective of income.
Democrats have voiced concerns regarding the potential lack of oversight and transparency, stressing that public access to recipient information is fundamental to accountability. The Senate unanimously approved the measure on Wednesday morning, with the House following suit in a 68-23 vote later in the day.
As the legislation awaits the governor’s approval, the debate continues regarding the balance between privacy and public accountability in state-funded educational programs.
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