Action Alert: HB 1374 Public Safety Districts

GRIP - Grass Roots Involvement Program

Action Alert

To: OML Members

From: OML Legislative Department

Date: March 20, 2017

Subject: HB 1374 by Rep. Weldon Watson - Public Safety Districts

HB 1374 by Rep. Weldon Watson is scheduled to be heard on Wednesday. This bill allows a city or town to create a Public Safety Protection District.

Oklahoma cities and towns are almost entirely dependent on sales tax for general operations. Public safety takes a large share of the general revenue budget for cities and towns. HB 1374 provides an option for municipalities to seek an alternative revenue source for our vital service of public safety.

The bill is permissive and does not mandate that the districts be created. It allows governing boards the means to determine if the citizens of the municipality want to create and fund such districts. HB 1374 requires a majority of voters to approve the Public Safety District. If it is approved, an annual assessment of no greater than five (5) mills will be assessed on the property in the district within municipal boundaries. The assessment does not apply to real property zoned for agriculture or industrial land use and personal property owned by for-profit business entities.

The proceeds of which can be spent on operation and maintenance of the district, including expenses related to purchasing and maintaining public safety equipment, payment of salaries and benefits of municipal employees who provide law enforcement and/or fire protection public safety services within the district, and municipal expenses related to housing prisoners.

It does not compete with rural fire districts for assessments and it does not impose the municipality's power over another jurisdiction. It does not take money away from entities receiving ad valorem revenue.

Please contact the your member of the House of Representatives and ask them to vote

YES on HB 1374.

Send copies of any correspondence you have with your legislators to [email protected] or fax to 405-528-7560, attn: Missy for our records. If you need additional information, please call Missy at 405-209-4328 (cell) or at the OML offices at 405-528-7515.

About Oklahoma Municipal League

The Mission of the OML is to provide services and programs required by municipal officials to assist them in better serving their citizens, and to act as the representative of Oklahoma municipalities in interactions requiring a united voice. Since 1913, the League has served as the individual and collective voice of local officials on the state and national level.

Oklahoma Municipal League

201 N.E. 23rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73105
(405) 528-7515; (800) 324-6651

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