Bartlesville Radio: The area’s best source for news, weather and sports!

State Senator Rob Standridge, a Republican from Norman, said he will file legislation later this fall to make sure local governments don't ignore the will of their citizens when slashing police department budget.

Sen. Standridge said they are still working on the language, but basically, if the citizens voted to increase police personnel or additional funding, their local government couldn’t just come back in later and slash that budget. He said the issue would have to go back to the voters to decide if they wanted those reductions or not.

Standridge said a second component of the legislation would block any state aid or grants from going to local governments that cut law enforcement budgets. He said he is very concerned about what’s happening, not just around the country, but here in Oklahoma.

Sen. Standridge said if a local government decides to cut law enforcement budgets, there should be consequences. That’s what he wants to address with his legislation.

Planned legislation to strengthen Oklahoma statutes about rioting by ensuring those responsible for the destruction of property are held fully accountable for restitution has also been introduced by Sen. Standridge in recent weeks.

Legislators can formally file legislation for the 2021 session beginning Sunday, Nov. 15th.