Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

Oklahoma Senate Bill SJR36

Introduced
2/7/22  
Refer
2/8/22  
Report Pass
2/15/22  
Refer
2/15/22  
Report Pass
3/3/22  
Engrossed
3/28/22  

Caption

Constitutional amendment; providing for appropriations by levy of certain taxes.

Impact

The impact of SJR36 would be significant on state laws regarding local financial governance. By allowing local governments greater flexibility in taxing and funding, it encourages the development of local economic initiatives. The ballot title suggests that this amendment would not only aid in financing projects but also deepen community engagement by requiring voter approval for any tax levy or bond issuance. This constitutional change is designed to better equip cities and towns to respond to local economic needs and development opportunities, potentially transforming the landscape of local governance in Oklahoma.

Summary

SJR36 is a proposed constitutional amendment aiming to grant municipalities and counties in Oklahoma the ability to levy taxes for both bond payments and appropriations pertaining to community and economic development. The resolution modifies Section 35 of Article X of the Oklahoma Constitution, expanding the existing framework that currently limits tax levies primarily for bonds. This amendment allows local governments to utilize additional funding mechanisms to support economic initiatives and community improvements, thus enabling more versatile financial planning at the municipal level.

Sentiment

Responses to SJR36 appear to vary across the political spectrum. Supporters of the bill view it positively, advocating that it empowers local governments to manage their resources more effectively and catering to specific community needs without being heavily reliant on state funding. However, opponents may express concerns over the potential pressure such tax levies could place on residents, deliberating on the balance between necessary taxation for development and the financial burden on local constituents.

Contention

A notable point of contention centers around the implications of allowing such tax levies. Critiques may focus on whether expanded taxation authority could lead to financial strain on local citizens, depending on how governance bodies approach these new powers. Furthermore, there may be discussions about the equity of such measures across different municipalities, particularly in terms of how varied economic conditions could influence tax implementation and community investment outcomes.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK HJR1029

Constitutional amendment; authorizing an economically disadvantaged levy for certain school districts; ballot title; filing.

OK SJR34

Constitutional amendment; vote of the people; increasing limit of Constitutional Reserve Fund.

OK HJR1058

Constitutional amendment; requiring certain vote of people to pass constitutional amendments; ballot title.

OK SJR1

Constitutional amendment; providing for levy of tax on property to protect students from violence.

OK HB447

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to use of proceeds of certain taxes levied on motor fuels

OK SB1114

Constitutional amendment; providing credit for owners of property that qualify for certain limitation on the growth of fair cash value.

OK HJR1059

Constitutional amendment; requiring certain majority vote of the people to pass constitutional amendments; ballot title; filing.

OK SB214

Constitutional amendment to repeal certain constitutionally dedicated and protected allocations and funds. (2/3-CA13s1(A))

OK SB1120

State Board of Education; requiring certain determination; providing procedure; providing limitation; and removing certain apportionments. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB1120

State Board of Education; requiring certain determination; providing procedure; providing limitation; and removing certain apportionments. Effective date. Emergency.

Similar Bills

MD SB360

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2025)

MD HB350

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2025)

MD HB200

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2024)

MD SB181

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2024)

PA HB611

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.

MD HB350

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

MD SB319

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

MD HB300

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2023)