Immigration

HB 3495 makes it illegal for anyone to act as a "straw person" to purchase property in Oklahoma on behalf of a foreign national. It defines a "straw person" as someone who buys property for a foreigner to conceal their identity or bypass restrictions. Violators face felony charges punishable by up to two years in prison, a $1,000 fine, or both. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.

HB 3787 requires all candidates for municipal, county, or school board positions in Oklahoma to meet the state's basic voting eligibility requirements as defined in the Oklahoma Constitution. This means candidates must be U.S. citizens, residents of the district, and otherwise qualified to vote in Oklahoma elections. The bill amends existing election laws to enforce this standard for all state, county, municipal, and school board offices, effective November 1, 2026. It does not change the specific requirements but ensures candidates already must meet these standards.

HB 1546 prohibits non-U.S. citizens from specific countries (China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, or other U.S.-designated "foreign government adversaries") from owning agricultural land, forestry property, or real property within 200 miles of military installations or critical infrastructure facilities (like power plants, refineries, or water treatment plants). It requires sellers to submit a notarized affidavit verifying compliance with these restrictions when recording property deeds, with limited exceptions for deeds correcting title defects or securing debts. The bill applies to direct ownership and indirect ownership through business entities or trusts, effective November 1, 2025. This law directly affects foreign entities from the listed countries seeking to purchase or hold certain types of land in Oklahoma.