Senator Rosino Drafts Legislation to Strengthen Oklahoma’s Oil and Gas Workforce

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senator Paul Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, is preparing legislation aimed at strengthening Oklahoma’s oil and natural gas workforce by encouraging the hiring of qualified engineers and providing tax incentives for employers who invest in the next generation of industry professionals.

The proposed legislation would establish tax credits for eligible oil and gas employers that hire qualified engineers, reimburse eligible employees for tuition and provide incentives for engineers who enter the industry. The bill is intended to help Oklahoma attract and retain engineering talent while supporting one of the state’s key economic sectors.

“Oklahoma’s oil and natural gas industry is the cornerstone of our state’s economy, supporting thousands of jobs, generating revenue and helping provide the energy that powers our country,” Rosino said. “To keep this industry strong and competitive, we must make sure Oklahoma businesses can attract and retain the highly skilled workforce they need to grow. This legislation will help employers recruit qualified engineers, encourage talented graduates to build their careers here and make it easier for Oklahoma companies to invest in the people who will lead this industry into the future. Supporting oil and gas means supporting Oklahoma jobs, economic opportunity and our state’s long-term prosperity.”

The measure would provide eligible employers with a tax credit equal to 10% of compensation paid to qualifying employees who graduate from an Oklahoma institution, or 5% for those who graduate from an institution outside the state. The credit would be available during an employee’s first five years in the industry and capped at $12,500 per employee annually.

The legislation would also allow eligible employers to claim a credit for 50% of qualifying tuition reimbursements during an employee’s first four years of employment, subject to specified requirements and limitations.

Additionally, qualifying employees could claim an individual income tax credit of up to $5,000 annually for as many as five tax years. Any unused portion of that credit could be carried forward for up to five subsequent tax years, subject to the bill’s provisions.

Under the proposal, the tax credits would apply to tax years 2028 through 2032. The proposed legislation would take effect Nov. 1, 2027, if it becomes law.

Rosino’s bill will not be formally filed until after Nov. 15, when the filing period for legislation for the 2027 legislative session begins.