Nonprofits with 501(c)3 status could soon be exempt from sales tax under a bill approved by the Oklahoma House of Representatives this week.

House Bill 1568, authored by Rep. Marilyn Stark, R-Bethany, would exempt Oklahoma-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations who receive $3 million or less in annual gross revenue from paying sales tax on purchases.

"Nonprofit employees and volunteers are passionate about what they do and most of them provide these services far better than the state could," Stark said. "Exempting Oklahoma's smaller nonprofits from sales tax is just one way we can empower them to continue to serve their communities."

The measure states that alcohol and tobacco purchases are not considered exempt purchases.

HB1568 passed the House 70-17 on Monday. It now moves to the Senate.