Bill > SB815

This bill addresses the sealing of court records for forcible entry and detainer (eviction) proceedings in Oklahoma. Specifically, the bill requires courts to immediately seal all case records if the action is dismissed before judgment or if a judgment is entered in favor of the defendant. For cases where a judgment is entered in favor of the plaintiff (landlord), the records must be sealed two years after the judgment date. The sealed records will be completely removed from public databases and will only be accessible to the defendant, their attorney, the court, and court clerk. The bill prohibits the sale or transfer of these sealed records to third parties. The legislation covers all court documents related to the eviction proceedings, including complaints, pleadings, service proofs, court orders, and testimony transcripts. The purpose appears to be protecting defendants' privacy and preventing potential negative consequences from having an eviction record publicly available. The bill is set to become effective on November 1, 2025, and will apply to all forcible entry and detainer actions maintained by Oklahoma courts.

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http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb815&Session=2600