Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

Oklahoma Senate Bill SB749

Introduced
2/6/23  

Caption

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

Impact

One significant aspect of SB749 is its potential impact on state laws governing school finance and property rights. By allowing property owners who are not residents of the district to vote, the bill acknowledges the financial stake these owners have in local education. This shift could lead to more comprehensive community engagement in school funding decisions, thereby influencing the allocation of resources towards infrastructure improvements and educational programs. The bill could also affect the dynamics of local elections by increasing the electorate size.

Summary

Senate Bill 749 aims to amend provisions related to bond elections within school districts and technology center school districts in Oklahoma. The bill specifically seeks to expand the qualifications for voting on school district bonds, allowing individuals who own real property within the school district to participate in the elections. This change is intended to broaden the electorate and ensure that property owners have a say in decisions that impact the funding and development of educational infrastructure.

Contention

While the bill anticipates positive community engagement, it may also face opposition from those who argue that only residents should have a vote on local education matters. Critics might contend that this change dilutes the voices of actual residents and could lead to inequitable decision-making, particularly if property owners are primarily interested in the financial implications of bond issuance rather than the education quality. As such, discussions surrounding SB749 may center on the balance between property rights and the representation of residents in educational governance.

Companion Bills

OK SB749

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

Previously Filed As

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 SB237

Boards of education; modifying term of office of school district and technology center school district board of education members. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB2097

Schools; Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education; authorizing technology center school district board of education to donate certain equipment; effective date.

OK SB1085

School board elections; modifying dates for reapportionment of certain districts. Effective date.

OK HB1823

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

OK HB1445

Schools; requiring school district to post information about issuing bonds prior to an election on its website; effective date.

OK HB2257

Schools; directing school districts to conduct an annual fitness assessment; effective date.

OK SB25

School support personnel; directing school district boards of education to determine distribution of certain pay increase. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB2265

Schools; authorizing school district to offer law enforcement elective course to juniors and seniors; effective date.

OK SB244

School district elections; modifying permissible dates for certain elections; modifying dates for filing for certain office. Effective date.

Similar Bills

OK SB110

Career and technology education; directing a district with certain number of electors to be divided into board zones. Effective date.

OK SB110

Career and technology education; directing a district with certain number of electors to be divided into board zones. Effective date.

OK SB1513

Career and technology education; directing a district with certain number of electors to be divided into board zones. Effective date. Emergency.

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 SB588

Schools; requiring certain school district or technology center school to provide certain attestation regarding individual being considered for employment. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB3586

State employee health insurance; funding to provide flexible benefit allowance; professional risk management program; continuance of health and dental insurance benefits; rates and benefits; disability insurance program for state employees; collections; flexible benefit revolving fund; flexible benefit dollars in the State Employees Benefits Act; effective date.

OK SB623

Schools; directing the State Board of Career and Technology Education to establish certain pilot program. Effective date. Emergency.