SB 274 requires landlords receiving certain affordable housing tax credits (under federal or Oklahoma law) to implement a criminal history screening policy for tenant applications. It prohibits blanket denials based on criminal records and mandates an individualized review considering factors like the offense's seriousness, time since conviction, rehabilitation efforts, and relevance to tenant behavior. Landlords must provide applicants with the right to submit supporting documentation during this review process. The policy applies to tax credit awards starting January 1, 2026, and the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency will ensure compliance with these requirements.
SB 815 requires courts to automatically seal all records in eviction cases (forcible entry and detainer proceedings) under specific conditions. If a case is dismissed or the defendant wins, records must be sealed immediately; if the plaintiff wins, records must be sealed two years after the judgment. Sealed records cannot appear in public databases, be sold, or shared with third parties, and are only accessible to the person involved, their attorney, or the court. This applies to all case documents, including complaints, pleadings, and court orders, ensuring privacy for individuals involved in these housing-related legal matters.
HB 2290 restricts when Oklahoma governments can take private property through eminent domain. It prohibits using eminent domain for general economic development (like boosting tax revenue or jobs), limiting it only to specific public uses: public highways, utilities, blighted property remediation, or abandoned property. The bill also requires that if condemned land isn’t used for its intended purpose, it must be offered back to the original owner at appraised value before resale. This directly affects property owners (by adding protections) and governments (by narrowing their eminent domain authority).
SB 483 allows Oklahoma counties to create programs helping homeless individuals relocate to family members, employers, or others who will provide support. It sets strict eligibility rules: participants must be sober during travel, not on parole without approval, not have used such a program in the past two years, and must be homeless as defined by law (lacking stable housing, including those displaced by violence). Counties must verify with the destination contact before travel and document their agreement, then check in with participants 90 days later. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025.
HB 1064 defines a "hedge fund" as an investment entity focused on high-return equity investments (excluding pension funds, banks, and other financial institutions whose main business isn't equity investing). The bill prohibits hedge funds and their subsidiaries from acquiring single-family residential properties in Oklahoma. It also requires hedge funds already owning such properties as of November 1, 2025, to sell them within 10 years - without selling to another hedge fund or subsidiary. The law aims to limit hedge fund ownership of residential housing by restricting new acquisitions and mandating divestment of existing holdings.
HB 1176 creates new felony charges for exploiting vulnerable adults by taking their money, assets, or property. It specifically targets two practices: (1) taking funds/assets through a position of trust or business relationship, or (2) purchasing residential property from elderly (62+) or disabled adults for less than 70% of market value. Violations involving $100,000+ in assets carry up to 15 years in prison and $10,000 fines, while lower-value cases carry up to 10 years and the same fine. The law directly affects elderly and disabled adults who may be targeted by others seeking to take advantage of their vulnerability.
HB 1198 adds a $1,000 property tax break for Oklahoma homeowners with household income under $30,000 annually. It directly affects low-income primary homeowners (defined as those maintaining a home and providing for household necessities) by exempting $1,000 of their property's assessed value from taxes. Homeowners must apply yearly by March 15 (or within 30 days of a valuation notice) and certify income, which includes most earnings like Social Security but excludes veterans' benefits and pandemic relief payments. Seniors aged 65+ who previously qualified do not need annual applications but must report income exceeding $30,000 to maintain the exemption.
SB 101 creates an income tax credit for Oklahoma residents paying rent or mortgage on their primary residence. It provides refundable credits ranging from $1,000 to $7,000 based on household income (as a percentage of Oklahoma's state median income) and the number of dependents. The credit applies to tax years starting in 2026, with limits of one credit per residence and refunding excess amounts if the credit exceeds the tax owed. This directly benefits low-to-moderate-income Oklahoma households struggling with housing costs. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025.
HB 2099 creates the Oklahoma Affordable Housing Commission to address housing needs for low- and moderate-income Oklahomans, defined by HUD income categories (e.g., "extremely low income" = ≤30% area median income). The bill establishes a dedicated state revolving fund in the Treasury, administered by the Commission, to finance housing initiatives. Key provisions require the Commission to develop annual plans, conduct housing needs assessments, and seek legislative approval for rules before spending funds - starting no earlier than July 1, 2025. The Commission’s 16-member structure includes legislative leaders, tribal housing representatives, community organizations, and housing agencies to guide funding toward affordable housing solutions.
This Oklahoma bill creates a tax credit program to encourage converting old, vacant buildings into housing. Property owners can claim up to 50% of qualified costs (like environmental cleanup, code upgrades, or system repairs) for adaptive reuse projects on structures at least 30 years old that have been vacant or underutilized (with rent below 50% of market rate). The program has a $5 million annual cap on approved credits, with unused funds carried forward to future years. Credits cannot reduce tax liability below zero but may be carried forward for up to 10 years. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce and Tax Commission will administer the program and prioritize projects based on local housing needs.
