The Tulsa City Council passed an ordinance unanimously that will mainly affect the homeless.
The ordinance makes it against the law for people to live, build a structure or be intoxicated in any public area.
People found in violation will be fined no more than $100 and in jail for no less than five days and no more than 30.
Councilwoman Anna America said the purpose of the ordinance is not to drive out the homeless but rather to help them.
She said previously there was a gray area on who had jurisdiction over certain spaces either the city or the state. This ordinance passed 8-0 clearly defines that Tulsa Police has authority.
The councilwoman said it will allow TPD to intervene when there are problems.
The ordinance also allows police to determine if there are too many people in one public space that could make safety a concern for citizens or businesses.
Several social service groups originally raised concerns about the ordinance.
Councilwoman America said members of the Community Service Council and Mental Health Association spoke confidently about the plans at Wednesday night’s meeting.
She said if the ordinance becomes something of concern to the groups, it will be revisited.
It is now up to Mayor GT Bynum to sign the ordinance. Council members said if he signs it, it could go into effect as early as this summer.
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