The Oklahoma House of Representatives recently was unanimous in passing House Bill 1003, which exempts the American Legion Department of Oklahoma from sales tax.

The bill was authored by House Majority Leader Mike Sanders and received a vote of 94-0. It now advances to the state Senate.  

“The American Legion has been in Oklahoma for 100 years serving our state veterans and their families as well as our youth through a variety of patriotic education programs and outreach ministries,” said Sanders, R-Kingfisher.

“The Legion also promotes a mission of strong national security. It deserves the same tax-exempt status that other organizations with similar missions already have.”

Sanders said this bill was the first piece of legislation he filed when he was first elected to the House of Representatives.

The state’s economy precluded the bill from being advanced until this year, he said.

Sanders added he’s optimistic, with the state’s current revenue surplus, the bill will be passed and signed into law this year.