OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ryan Eaves, R-Atoka, passed a bill this week that would give counties the option to impose a local public service impact tax on retail marijuana sales. 

House Bill 3314 would authorize counties to impose up to a 15% public service impact tax on retail marijuana sales within county limits. The bill does not automatically create a tax. If a county chooses to pursue one, it must first be approved by a majority of county voters at a special election. The bill also exempts marijuana grown on private property by individuals that is not sold. 

"Counties are the ones dealing with the day-to-day impact of marijuana sales," Eaves said. "This lets local communities decide for themselves whether they want to dedicate a portion of that revenue to support law enforcement, first responders and improving problem properties."  

If approved locally, revenue from the tax would be deposited into the county general fund and used to support county sheriffs, local police and fire departments and to address dilapidated properties.  

The bill outlines election procedures, requires the purpose and duration of the tax to be clearly identified to voters and allows the Oklahoma Tax Commission to administer and collect the tax through a contract with the county.

HB3314 passed the County and Municipal Government Committee with a 6-0 vote and now advances to the Government Oversight Committee for further consideration.