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Oklahoma
State Senate
OFFICE OF SENATOR JAY PAUL
GUMM
Atoka, Bryan, Coal, Johnston & Marshall Counties
For Immediate Release: March 23, 2010
Sen. Jay Paul Gumm
Sen. Gumm Passes Second Measure Targeting Stores Snubbing Disabled
Vet Tax Break
State Sen. Jay
Paul Gumm is continuing his efforts to ensure compliance with
a tax break for disabled veterans originally passed in 2005. Gumm
said despite widespread publicity about the law and a $500 administrative
fine approved in 2006 for noncompliance, there are still retailers
in the state refusing to honor the tax exemption.
“Last month, the full Senate gave unanimous approval to Senate
Bill 1321, which makes it a misdemeanor to willfully refuse to honor
this benefit for 100 percent disabled veterans,” said Gumm,
a Democrat from Durant. “That measure is awaiting House action,
but in addition, we now have a second measure working its way through
the legislature to improve compliance.”
Gumm said on Tuesday, the Senate Finance Committee unanimously approved
amendatory language to House Bill 1545 that actually goes one step
further than SB 1321.
“Not only does this language make it a misdemeanor with a
fine of $500 per offense, but it also enables the public to know
which stores or chains are refusing to honor this exemption for
disabled veterans,” Gumm said. “Currently, when the
Tax Commission is investigating such complaints, all communications
are considered confidential. The language passed unanimously in
committee would open up that information to the public and the media.
I’m sure there are citizens who would like to know which stores
are doing this so they can take their business elsewhere.”
HB 1545, as amended by Gumm, now moves to the full Senate for a
vote.
“The message here is if you have a store, this tax exemption
for disabled veterans is not optional. It’s the law, and if
you don’t follow the law, there will be consequences by the
state and by customers who don’t want to see our veterans
dishonored,” Gumm said.
For more information contact:
Sen. Gumm: 405-521-5586
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