The Oklahoma Senate late last week passed House Bill 2914, a measure that appropriates $18 million for the creation of a sheriff’s fund.

The Oklahoma Sheriff’s Office Funding Assistance Grant Program will allow counties to apply for grants up to $300,000 to assist with operational costs.

The measure also provides that a sheriff salary must be at least $44,000 while not exceeding $74,000.

Sen. Blake Cowboy Stephens, R-Tahlequah co-authored the bill.

“I commend each of my legislative colleagues who supported this measure and recognized the need to support sheriff’s offices across our state,” Stephens said.

“These individuals put their lives on the line each day to serve our communities and protect Oklahomans, while often being overworked and underpaid.

“I’m proud to have served as a co-author of this legislation that will ensure our county law enforcement agencies have the tools and resources they need to respond to emergencies safely and efficiently,” he concluded.