HB 2542 Summary

• Creates the Oklahoma Municipal Fire Protection District Act, allowing municipalities to establish dedicated fire protection districts through voter approval (requiring 3/5 affirmative vote).

• Municipalities can levy a mandatory 2-mill annual assessment on property within the district for fire protection operation, maintenance, equipment, and employee salaries/benefits.

• Allows voters to authorize an additional 1-mill levy by separate election for vehicle and equipment purchases, limited to the years approved on the ballot.

• Establishes liens on unpaid assessments coequal with ad valorem taxes, with 18% annual interest on delinquent amounts, and permits foreclosure actions in district court after 6 months delinquency.

• Districts operate as municipal departments; can be dissolved by majority voter approval if either 3/5 of the governing body votes to call the election or a petition signed by 20% of registered voters is presented.