Oklahoma Senate Bill SB687

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/2/21
• Report Pass: 2/19/21
• Engrossed: 3/10/21
• Refer: 3/22/21
• Report Pass: 4/8/21
• Enrolled: 4/22/21
• Passed: 4/27/21

Caption

Oklahoma 9-1-1 Management Authority; collection and distribution of fees and use of funds. Effective date.

Impact

The enactment of SB687 is expected to significantly impact state laws related to the operations of 9-1-1 emergency systems by enforcing stricter guidelines and oversight. It mandates that public agencies collecting 9-1-1 fees be transparent about their funding and operational activities, reinforcing the necessity for compliance with established service standards. This could result in improved efficiency in the management and delivery of emergency services across Oklahoma, especially as it relates to ensuring that funds are used appropriately for their intended purposes.

Summary

Senate Bill 687 modifies the Oklahoma 9-1-1 Management Authority Act to enhance the powers and duties of the Oklahoma 9-1-1 Management Authority, specifically focusing on the collection, distribution, and oversight of 9-1-1 fees. The bill establishes requirements for public agencies to submit reports covering their operations and finances concerning 9-1-1 services. Additionally, the Authority is granted the ability to escrow funds if public agencies fail to meet prescribed reporting or operational standards, thereby promoting accountability within the system.

Sentiment

The discussions around SB687 displayed a broad appreciation for the need to enhance the performance and accountability of emergency services in Oklahoma. Lawmakers and stakeholders expressed general support for provisions that would promote fiscal responsibility and improved service delivery. However, there were some concerns regarding how increased regulations might affect smaller public agencies that may struggle to comply with the heightened demands imposed by the bill.

Contention

Notable points of contention involved the bill's provisions that allow the Oklahoma 9-1-1 Management Authority to escrow fees from public agencies that do not comply with regulations, which some critics view as potentially punitive. Additionally, the specificity of requirements for funding and operational reporting raises concerns about the variability of compliance capacities among different jurisdictions, sparking a debate on the balance between strict oversight and the operational realities faced by local agencies.