Haste's SJR 16 Headed to the November Ballot

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Joint Resolution 16, authored by Sen. John Haste, R-Broken Arrow, will be on November's general election ballot following adoption by the House. Voters will be presented with State Question 833 to amend the Oklahoma Constitution to authorize municipalities to create public infrastructure districts (PID). If approved by voters, cities will be able to use a PID to finance infrastructure improvements. PIDs can be used to help address the costs of roads, sidewalks, parks, water, and sewer in developments.

“Oklahoma has a housing shortage across the state, and we know one of the most significant barriers to new homes is the need to build the necessary infrastructure to support them,” Haste said. “PIDs will help our municipalities finance the infrastructure to handle our state's growth.”

If passed, SQ 833 would allow 100% of surface property owners in a portion of a municipality to petition to create a PID to finance infrastructure in that area. If approved by the city council, the PID would be able to issue bonds to finance the infrastructure in the area and repay the bonds through an up to 10 mill property tax assessment on properties in the PID.

SJR 16 was co-sponsored by Rep. Terry O'Donnell, R-Catoosa, in the House.

“SJR 16 creates a great balance between protecting private property rights and allowing our cities and towns to have the flexible tools they need,” O'Donnell said. “As we drafted this proposal, we aimed to ensure transparency in creating a PID and ensure property owners drive this process.”

SQ 833 will appear on the general election ballot. If approved by voters, legislation will be prepared for implementation.

-END-

For more information, contact:  Sen. Haste: (405) 521-5602 or John.Haste@oksenate.gov