'Buffer Zones': Senate passes bill banning new homeless shelters near schools

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - On Tuesday, the Oklahoma Senate advanced a new proposed measure that would require new homeless shelters to be within 3,000 feet of schools around children.

Senate Bill 484, authored by Sen. Lisa Standridge, R-Norman, seeks compliance prohibiting new homeless shelters from being located within 3,000 feet of schools in areas with fewer than 300,000 residents.

“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 noted, violence shelters and youth shelters are exempt.

“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,” said Standridge.