Bill > HB2036

This bill modifies Oklahoma's laws regarding condemnation proceedings (legal processes where private property can be acquired for public use) by establishing new requirements for reimbursing property owners' expenses when condemnation attempts are unsuccessful or contested. The bill amends two existing statutes to expand when property owners can be compensated for legal and professional fees incurred during condemnation proceedings. Specifically, property owners may now be reimbursed for reasonable attorney, appraisal, and engineering fees if a jury trial is requested and the jury's award exceeds either the court-appointed commissioners' initial assessment or the condemning authority's written compensation offer by at least 10%. The bill also allows property owners to be reimbursed if the condemnation proceeding is abandoned or ultimately fails, with slightly different standards depending on who requests the jury trial. Additionally, the bill establishes a 75-day timeline for considering written compensation offers as timely and makes the court's determination of reimbursement appealable to the Supreme Court. The bill also updates language to be gender-neutral and clarifies statutory references, with an effective date of November 1, 2025.

Justice

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb2036&Session=2500