The legislative vehicle for state matching funds to repair and replace the Arkansas River levee system in the Tulsa area moved forward in the Oklahoma House of Representatives on Monday.
Senate Bill 1391, by Sen. Cody Rogers, R-Tulsa, would set up a revolving fund for what is expected to be a $50 million appropriation. The appropriation itself is unlikely to be made until the final stages of the legislative session.
The bill passed with one dissenting vote but remains in a legislative circling pattern, largely because of its fiscal impact.
The most-discussed measure of the day was SB 1854, by Sen. Darrell Weaver, R-Moore. The bill would create a possible misdemeanor for “unauthorized” camping on “state-owned land.”
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No charges would be filed if the person accepts assistance, such as transportation to a homeless shelter.
Weaver and House sponsor Chris Kannady, R-Oklahoma City, said the measure is intended to connect homeless people with services and to prevent them from camping in unsafe places, such as along rights-of-way.
They said it is modeled after an Austin, Texas, city ordinance.
Reports on the effectiveness of the ordinance vary. Kannady said only one person has ever actually been charged under the Austin ordinance, while Rep. Regina Goodwin, D-Tulsa, said it has not worked as well as portrayed.
A first offense would result in a warning citation, unless the person involved accepts assistance. A second offense would result in a $50 fine and/or 15 days in jail. Kannady said he didn’t think the fine or jail time would be levied often.
Opponents, though, said the bill does not address fundamental reasons for homelessness and that the “assistance” might consist of a ride to the edge of town.
The bill passed 77-18 along party lines and now goes to the governor.
The House also kept alive SB 1399, by Sen. Chuck Hall, R-Perry, which would create a deferred maintenance fund for higher education and state parks.
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