Democrats Support Public Safety Districts, Urge Gov’s Signature

OKLAHOMA CITY — Three House Democrats released statements today in support of legislation that allows for municipalities to create special districts to support public safety.

Senate Bill 838, which passed the House on Tuesday and is headed to the governor’s desk, allows a governing body of a municipality to create a public safety protection district, which would allow property taxes in the district to go specifically to public safety services like law enforcement and fire response.

Rep. Mickey Dollens, D-OKC: 

“Senate Bill 838 allows communities to have more control over how their government services are funded. This legislation is a common-sense approach that provides an opportunity for municipalities to institute a stable revenue stream for vital public safety services.”

Rep. Andy Fugate, D-Del City: 

“For too long, rural Oklahoma has suffered because our antiquated tax system prevents them from funding core services. Online purchasing and regional Walmart locations have decimated sales taxes, forcing small towns to use fees and fines to support law enforcement. That leaves law enforcement raising revenues from the very people they are sworn to protect. Allowing those people to choose to tax themselves is an option they deserve.”

Rep. John Waldron, D-Tulsa: 

“Senate Bill 838 is a sensible and necessary public safety measure and an idea whose time has come. I’d like to thank the bipartisan coalition that made this possible, and I urge the governor to sign the bill into law.”