Oklahoma Bill Limits Homeless Services Outside Major Cities

Oklahoma's proposed Senate Bill 484, introduced by Senator Lisa Standridge, aims to prohibit cities with populations under 300,000 from using municipal resources for homeless shelters and outreach, effectively confining these services to Oklahoma City and Tulsa. The bill is slated for a reading in February 2025 and has sparked significant controversy, with critics warning it could exacerbate homelessness by limiting smaller cities' capacity to address local needs. Standridge's proposal follows similar legislative efforts by her predecessor and husband, Rob Standridge, known for his anti-homeless initiatives. Meanwhile, Oklahoma City is working to relocate homeless individuals through its Key to Home initiative. Nonprofits like The Salvation Army in smaller cities that operate independently of state or city funds may remain unaffected by the bill. Community leaders in Norman, such as Councilwoman Helen Grant, emphasize the importance of local involvement and resources in addressing homelessness comprehensively.