Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

Oklahoma Senate Bill SJR3

Introduced
2/6/23  

Caption

Constitutional amendment; reducing threshold to approve school district indebtedness.

Impact

If enacted, this proposed constitutional amendment is anticipated to have significant implications for public school funding across Oklahoma. By lowering the approval threshold for incurring debt, school districts may gain increased responsiveness in addressing urgent financial needs such as infrastructure upgrades or educational resources. Proponents argue that this change could facilitate the timely acquisition and enhancement of school facilities, thereby improving educational outcomes and opportunities for students statewide.

Summary

SJR3, a Joint Resolution proposed in the 1st Session of the 59th Oklahoma Legislature, seeks to amend Section 26 of Article X of the Oklahoma Constitution. The primary aim of this bill is to reduce the voter approval threshold necessary for school districts to incur indebtedness. Currently, a three-fifths majority is required for such approvals; SJR3 proposes to allow for a simple majority instead. This amendment is geared towards addressing the financial and operational challenges faced by school districts in securing funding for necessary improvements and facilities.

Contention

However, SJR3 is not without its critics. Opponents have raised concerns about the potential for increased indebtedness without sufficient oversight or accountability. There may be fears that reducing the threshold for approval could lead to hasty financial decisions by school boards, resulting in detrimental fiscal effects on local communities or decreased control by voters. As such, the bill has sparked a heated debate about the balance between accessibility to funds for school districts and the soundness of financial governance.

Companion Bills

OK SJR3

Carry Over Constitutional amendment; reducing threshold to approve school district indebtedness.

Previously Filed As

OK SJR3

Constitutional amendment; reducing threshold to approve school district indebtedness.

OK SB749

School district and technology center bond elections; authorizing persons that own property inside a school district to vote on school district bonds. Effective date.

OK SJR16

Constitutional amendment; authorizing the creation of public infrastructure districts in Oklahoma.

OK SJR8

Constitutional amendment; modifying apportionment of state senate districts; requiring certain considerations.

OK HB1995

Medical debt; legislative referendum pursuant to the Oklahoma Constitution; Oklahoma Protection from Predatory Debt Collection Act; exemptions; definitions; rates of interest for loans or indebtedness and interest on judgments; conflicts with federal law; severability; ballot title; filing.

OK SJR13

Constitutional amendment; making district attorneys subject to impeachment proceedings.

OK HB1379

Public finance; Local Development Act; procedures; voter approval; effective date.

OK SJR4

Constitutional amendment; allowing a member of the Legislature to be employed as a public school teacher upon completion of term.

OK HB1823

Elections; municipal elections; modifying dates; school districts and board of education; modifying terms; continuing education requirements; effective date.

OK HJR1040

Constitutional Amendment; creating the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverages Modernization Act of 2023; ballot title; filing.

Similar Bills

CA SCA3

Local government financing: public libraries: voter approval.

CA ACA6

School facilities: bonded indebtedness: vote requirement.

CA AB2325

San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District: officers and employees: designation and appointment.

MS SB2665

School districts; allow certain rural districts to exceed bonded indebtedness limit once.

MS HB1564

Credit Enhancement Program; establish to improve credit worthiness of schools.

CA ACA10

Local government financing: affordable housing and public infrastructure: voter approval.

CA AB2813

Government Investment Act.

CO HB1154

Institute Charter Schools & Bond Indebtedness