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State Senator Julie Daniels recently appeared on COMMUNITY CONNECTION to discuss two significant State Questions on the November 2024 ballot and issues related to State Supreme Court judge retention.

Senator Daniels explained that the two State Questions propose amendments to the Oklahoma Constitution. State Question 833 focuses on public infrastructure districts (PIDs), while State Question 834 addresses voter eligibility.

State Question 833 would allow Oklahoma municipalities to establish public infrastructure districts, which would help finance local improvements such as roads, parks, and water systems. These districts enable private property owners or developers to fund infrastructure projects benefiting their area without relying on the general tax base. The Oklahoma Senate passed the measure with a 38-7 vote, and the House approved it with a 66-27 vote.

On the ballot, State Question 833 will ask voters to approve the creation of PIDs, governed by a board of trustees. The districts will have the authority to issue bonds for infrastructure projects and levy assessments on benefiting properties to repay those bonds.

State Question 834 proposes to amend the state constitution to clarify that only U.S. citizens are eligible to vote in Oklahoma elections.

On the ballot, State Question 834 will explicitly state that only U.S. citizens qualify as electors in the state.

Senator Daniels also urged voters to review the judicial scorecard available at www.oklajudges.com before voting on State Supreme Court judge retention. She highlighted that the scorecard provides insights into how the Court’s rulings impact issues such as job growth, the rule of law, and Oklahoma values. Three justices are up for retention in 2024, and the scorecard covers key decisions on topics like tort reform, free speech, and public health.