SB 1639 - Quality Workforce Act Summary

• Establishes the "Quality Workforce Act" to provide tax rebates to for-profit businesses that invest in employee workforce training and education in critical occupations.

• Eligible establishments receive rebates equal to 105% of tuition and materials paid for employees to obtain approved licenses, certificates, or associate degrees from Oklahoma institutions.

• Includes rebate supplements of 5% for eligible employees who are veterans or were enrolled in Oklahoma Medicaid at the time of program enrollment.

• Creates the "Quality Workforce Rebate Payment Fund" within the State Treasury, funded by withholding a portion of gross production taxes, with annual rebate payments limited to 5% of the establishment's average wage multiplied by the number of eligible employees.

• Requires establishments to apply to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for approval and maintain a basic health benefit plan; violations including fraud carry fines of $1,000 to $50,000 plus repayment of rebates with 10% annual interest.