Housing

SB 877 requires Oklahoma real estate licensees (brokers and sales associates) to complete continuing education on "deed theft" prevention by November 1, 2028. It defines "deed theft" as fraudulently altering property documents, misrepresenting ownership, or stealing property through deception. The bill also mandates that brokers provide written notification about deed theft risks to buyers at closing, requiring buyers to sign a confirmation of receipt. This law, effective November 1, 2025, directly affects real estate professionals and homebuyers by adding education requirements and transparency measures to combat property fraud.

SB 251 expands eligibility for Oklahoma county mental health and substance abuse funding to include employment, education, and housing programs alongside existing treatment services. It requires the state to allocate at least 0.5% of total funds to each county government or multi-county partnership applying for grants. The bill also mandates annual reports to legislative leaders detailing funding distribution and services provided. These changes aim to broaden community-based support options while ensuring minimum funding for all participating counties.

SB 333 amends Oklahoma's Housing Authorities Act to update the definition of "area of operation" for city housing authorities. It specifically allows active, certified city housing authorities to use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) for projects anywhere in the state until December 31, 2027, provided they consult with the city, county, and other housing authorities in the project area. This change applies only to ARPA/SLFRF-funded projects and does not alter existing boundaries for other housing initiatives. The amendment becomes effective November 1, 2025.

HB 2745 creates new tax deductions for Oklahoma banks and credit unions that earn interest on qualifying agricultural and housing loans. It allows institutions to deduct up to $500,000 annually (for those with over $750 million in Oklahoma deposits) or $250,000 (for smaller institutions) from their privilege tax bill. The deductions apply to interest earned on agricultural real estate loans, agricultural operating loans, and single-family residence loans made between 2025 and 2028. Total deductions across all institutions are capped at $5 million per year, with annual adjustments to maintain this limit.

HB 2294 allows group homes for people with developmental or physical disabilities to operate as permitted residential uses in all residential zones across Oklahoma, eliminating the need for special permits like conditional use approvals. It requires group home operators to notify all property owners within 300 feet of the proposed location before establishment and mandates the Department of Human Services to create rules within 180 days to prevent over-concentration, setting a minimum 1,200-foot spacing requirement between new group homes. The bill prohibits local governments from imposing additional fees, taxes, or environmental reviews on group homes beyond what applies to single-family residences. This directly affects group home operators, neighboring property owners, and local zoning authorities by standardizing procedures and notification requirements.

HB 1177 prohibits recording "unfair service agreements" related to residential real estate in Oklahoma property records. It requires county clerks to refuse such recordings and states that any accidentally recorded agreement is void and provides no notice to buyers, creditors, or title companies. The bill directly affects residential property buyers, title companies, and owners by preventing hidden service agreements from appearing in public records. It becomes effective November 1, 2025, and ensures these agreements cannot legally bind future property owners.

HB 2014 creates the Legal Services Revolving Fund in Oklahoma to provide legal representation for low-income residents in specific civil cases. It prioritizes family law, domestic violence cases, and eviction (forcible entry and detainer) cases, with funds allocated across all 77 counties based on census data showing poverty levels. The bill strictly prohibits using these funds for criminal cases, abortion-related services, or challenges to census data. Eligible legal aid organizations must follow federal auditing standards and report annually on fund usage to state committees.