HB 2115 transfers administration of Oklahoma's Energy Conservation Assistance Fund from the Department of Commerce to the Department of Human Services. It provides grants of up to $3,000 for weatherization work (like insulation, storm windows, and structural repairs) to low-income elderly and handicapped homeowners who meet income guidelines (125% of federal poverty level). The bill requires an energy audit before grants are issued, prioritizes applicants with greatest need, and establishes a revolving fund for ongoing program funding. This directly affects qualifying homeowners seeking energy efficiency improvements to their primary residences.
HB 4305 modifies how county assessors value affordable housing properties in Oklahoma. It requires assessors to base fair cash value on projected income during construction/lease-up and adjust yearly using net income changes for stabilized properties. If such a property is sold without its affordable housing restrictions, an additional tax is imposed equal to the difference between taxes paid under this method and what would have been paid at the sale price. This tax must be paid by the property owner within 20 days of receiving written notice from the county assessor after the sale.
HB 3968 restricts Oklahoma's use of eminent domain by defining "public use" narrowly to exclude economic development (such as increased tax revenue, jobs, or general economic growth). It prohibits local governments from expanding eminent domain powers without specific state law and bans using economic benefits as justification for taking private property. The bill also requires that if condemned land isn't used for its intended public purpose, it must be offered back to the original owner at fair market value before resale. This applies to all government entities, including cities and counties, and takes effect November 1, 2026.
HB 2147 creates a new legal process for Oklahoma municipalities to place liens on non-owner-occupied properties for unpaid housing and building code violations, including fines, penalties, and enforcement costs. The bill allows cities to enforce these liens through judicial foreclosure, requiring property owners to pay the full "lien payoff" (including interest and fees) to avoid losing the property. It specifically excludes owner-occupied homes (such as homesteads or properties occupied by residents) from this enforcement. Municipal code liens rank above most other property claims but below tax liens, and the law establishes clear redemption procedures for owners seeking to retain their property.
SB 128 extends the required notice period for eviction cases (forcible entry and detainer) in Oklahoma from 3 days to 7 days before the court hearing for most cases, while maintaining a 3-day requirement for emergency evictions under specific subsections of Oklahoma law. It also updates summons language to be plain and understandable, requires public access to the summons form via the court website, and makes certain legal terms gender-neutral. The bill would have affected tenants and landlords in eviction proceedings by giving defendants more time to prepare. However, this bill was vetoed by the Governor on May 5, 2025, and is not currently law.
HB 1496 changes the appeal process for decisions made by local city or town boards of adjustment (which handle zoning and land use matters). It removes the requirement for a bond when filing appeals in district court, mandates that appeals be re-heard from scratch (de novo), and establishes specific rules for temporary stays during appeals. Courts must consider four factors before granting stays and require bonds (except for municipal governments), with stays automatically ending once a final court decision is issued. This directly affects property owners challenging local decisions and city governments defending them in Oklahoma municipalities.
