Bill limiting location of new homeless shelters advances in Oklahoma Senate

The Oklahoma Senate advanced legislation from Sen. Lisa Standridge, R-Norman, that would prohibit new homeless shelters from being built within 3,000 feet of schools in municipalities with fewer than 300,000 residents on Tuesday.

Senate Bill 484, which has been amended since it was first filed, also requires entities proposing a zoning request to change or allow the creation of a homeless shelter to notify nearby property owners and post public notice before a hearing.

Notification Requirements

Under SB 484, any entity proposing a zoning change for a homeless shelter in a municipality with fewer than 300,000 residents must:

1. Mail written notice by regular first-class mail within 30 days of the hearing to all real property owners within 1,000 feet of the proposed location.
2. Post notice on the affected property at least 20 days before the hearing.

Proximity Restrictions

The bill prohibits the creation of new homeless shelters within 3,000 feet of any:

1. School or school property
2. Public library
3. Municipal park
4. Child or adult day care facility
5. Prekindergarten facility

Exceptions and Existing Shelters

The measure does not apply to domestic violence shelters, youth shelters, or facilities operating within churches or other places of worship. Additionally, it does not affect existing homeless shelters in municipalities that meet the population requirements.

Standridge Cites Public Safety Concerns

Standridge said the legislation is focused on preserving public safety and creating a secure environment for children.

“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.”

Standridge emphasized that the bill strikes a balance between providing services to those in need and ensuring that schools maintain a safe learning environment.

“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,” she said.

SB 484 now moves to the Oklahoma House for further consideration.