Senate passes Standridge bill to create ‘buffer zones’ to prohibit new homeless shelters near schools

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Senate on Tuesday advanced legislation from Sen. Lisa Standridge, R-Norman, to prohibit new homeless shelters from being located within 3,000 feet of any school.

This version of Senate Bill 484, which has been amended since it was first filed, prohibits new homeless shelters from being built within 3,000 feet of schools in localities with fewer than 300,000 residents. The bill does not apply to domestic violence shelters or youth shelters.

“Senate Bill 484 has undergone significant changes since I first introduced it, but at its core, this measure remains focused on preserving public safety,” Standridge said. “I’ve spoken with countless parents, educators, and school officials in my district who strongly support creating buffer zones between local schools and homeless shelters, which can become hotspots for drug use, crime, and other activities that threaten the safety and well-being of our children.

“This legislation will not close any homeless shelters because it does not affect existing facilities, and it does not apply to shelters operating within churches or other places of worship. I firmly believe that this bill strikes a thoughtful balance between providing community services to those in need while ensuring our schools have a safe and secure environment for kids to learn and play.”

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For more information, contact: Sen. Lisa Standridge at (405) 521-5535 or Lisa.Standridge@oksenate.gov