Housing

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.

SB 1209 modifies Oklahoma's eviction court procedures by changing the required time frame for scheduling trials in forcible entry and detainer cases (commonly known as eviction cases). The bill specifies that the summons must require defendants to appear for trial within 5 to 10 days, excluding weekends and holidays, from the date the summons is issued. This change directly affects tenants and landlords involved in eviction court proceedings across Oklahoma. The key provision clarifies the timeline for defendants to prepare their defense, ensuring a standardized 5-10 day window for trial scheduling after the summons is delivered.

HB 3407 creates a new lien for property owners who allow manufactured homes to be placed on their land. If a manufactured home owner doesn't control or use their home for 120 consecutive days, the property owner may claim a lien for the fair rental value of the home. This lien can be enforced like other property liens under Oklahoma law. The bill takes effect on November 1, 2026, directly affecting property owners and manufactured home residents.

HB 2015 (Oklahoma) clarifies tenant rights when landlords fail to meet rental agreement terms or health/safety standards. It requires tenants to provide landlords with written notice of issues, giving them 14 days to fix problems before tenants can take action. If landlords don’t act, tenants may legally withhold rent (up to one month’s cost for repairs), deduct repair costs from rent, or terminate the lease for uninhabitable conditions. The bill also prohibits landlords from pursuing eviction for nonpayment while tenants use these remedies, effective November 1, 2025.

HB 3758 increases compensation for Oklahoma property owners facing government eminent domain takings. It requires either 150% of the property's fair market value or the cost to purchase a comparable replacement property in the same community (defined by size, location, use, and other factors). The bill prohibits reducing compensation due to "project influence" or pre-taking activity, and bans agencies from requiring owners to waive these protections. These changes apply to all public use takings and become effective November 1, 2026.