Fire protection districts; allowing for certain consolidation of fire protection districts; providing for certain hearing. Effective date.

SB 708 allows contiguous fire protection districts in Oklahoma to consolidate into a single district if their boards determine it would better serve residents. The bill requires districts to create a consolidation plan (covering board structure, property tax rates, and asset transfers), seek county commissioner approval, hold a public hearing, and then obtain voter approval through a special election. Residents within the proposed consolidated district must vote, with approval requiring at least 60% "yes" votes. This process directly affects fire districts and their communities by changing administrative structures, not fire services. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025.