Oklahoma Homeland Security Act
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| Oklahoma Homeland Security Act | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Oklahoma State Legislature | |
| Full name | Oklahoma Homeland Security Act |
| Signed into law | April 26, 2004 |
| Governor | Brad Henry |
| Bill | House Bill 2280 |
| Website | Bill text |
The Oklahoma Homeland Security Act (74 O.S. § 51-51.3) is an Oklahoma state law that created the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security to respond to acts of terrorism committed in the State.
The Homeland Security Act was signed into law by Governor Brad Henry on April 26, 2004.
The Oklahoma Homeland Security Act was one of many bills put through by states and the US government after the 9/11 attacks. The purpose of these bills was to better prepare states for terrorist attacks, natural disasters, and technological incidents. Previously these situations were handled on an ad hoc basis. Under the Oklahoma Homeland Security Act, this responsibility was placed on the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security for prevention, mediation, and response to attacks.
- Previously, the roles and duties of the Oklahoma Homeland Security Act would be found within the responsibilities of the local governments. In cases of widespread incidents that covered multiple jurisdictions, a state of emergency would be issued. A states of emergency would allow the governor to use resources in these cases, but with the creation of the Oklahoma Homeland Security Act a lot of these duties are streamlined..
- Before HB 2280 was passed an emergency bill, Senate Joint Resolution 42, was passed in February 2002 to create the Office of Interim Oklahoma Homeland Security . A small team was put together by June 2002 to begin the foundations of the organization. This position was to last until December 2003, or until a permanent position was created.[1][2]