Bill > SB775

This bill modifies Oklahoma's laws regarding condemnation proceedings, which are legal actions where government or other authorized entities can acquire private property for public use. The bill updates two sections of Oklahoma statutes to clarify and expand property owners' rights to reimbursement of fees when condemnation proceedings do not result in property acquisition. Specifically, the bill allows property owners to be reimbursed for reasonable attorney, appraisal, engineering, and expert witness fees when a condemnation proceeding is abandoned, fails to acquire the property, or when the jury's awarded compensation significantly exceeds either the commissioners' initial assessment or the condemning authority's last written compensation offer. The bill adds specificity by requiring these fees to be documented by written contract and provides a mechanism for property owners to seek reimbursement through court review. Additionally, the bill updates procedural requirements for court clerks in notifying parties about commissioners' reports and makes the language gender-neutral by replacing gendered pronouns. The bill is set to become effective on July 1, 2025, and includes an emergency clause suggesting its immediate importance for public welfare.

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http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb775&Session=2600