Oklahoma Senate passes bill limiting homeless shelters near schools

The Oklahoma Senate has passed Senate Bill 484, which prohibits new homeless shelters from being located within 3,000 feet of schools in towns with populations under 300,000. Authored by Sen. Lisa Standridge, the bill aims to enhance public safety by creating buffer zones, a move supported by local parents and educators. However, existing shelters are grandfathered in, and the legislation does not affect shelters located within churches. Critics, including some Democratic senators, argue that the bill fails to address underlying issues of homelessness such as addiction and poverty, labeling it as mere 'spacing' legislation. They contend it creates the illusion of solving a problem without offering real solutions. The bill's adjustments followed pushback during the legislative session, emphasizing a need for community safety without entirely restricting services.