Oklahoma Senate Bill SB393

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/2/21

Caption

Ambulance service districts; authorizing formation of certain ambulance districts by agreement of two or more political entities. Effective date.

Impact

The bill significantly modifies the operational framework for ambulance service districts in Oklahoma. Specifically, it lowers the threshold for public petitions to create such districts from 25% to 10%, which may encourage more communities to seek these services. SB393 also mandates that any newly formed district must promote public health and safety and must ensure that existing services are not adversely impacted. Additionally, provisions for establishing financing mechanisms, including pass-through billing for certain utility services, aim to alleviate funding concerns for ambulance services.

Summary

Senate Bill 393 aims to amend the existing Ambulance Service Districts Act in Oklahoma, facilitating the establishment of ambulance service districts through agreements between two or more political entities such as counties, municipalities, or tribal governments. This bill proposes to update the language within the act, reduce the number of required signatures for initiating a petition to form a district, and introduce alternative procedures for creating such districts. By doing so, SB393 seeks to enhance the availability of ambulance services for residents in regions where such services are deemed inadequate.

Contention

Noteworthy points of contention surrounding SB393 include concerns over the potential impact on existing ambulance services within counties. Some stakeholders fear that establishing new districts may lead to competition that could undermine the sustainability of current services, particularly in smaller communities. Furthermore, critics point to the procedural changes around the creation of districts, suggesting that a lower signature requirement might lead to districts being formed in areas without a sufficient need or support for such services. Ensuring effective coordination and communication between newly formed districts and existing services remains a critical concern.