Bill > SB1517

This bill amends existing Oklahoma law to restrict the government's power of eminent domain, which is the power to take private property for public use, even if the owner is compensated. Specifically, it clarifies that "public use" is limited to specific purposes like public highways, roads, easements, rights-of-way, public buildings, cemeteries, parks, or other uses explicitly authorized by statute, as well as for public utilities or private entities expressly authorized by statute to exercise eminent domain and serve the general public. The bill explicitly states that economic development, such as increased tax revenues or employment, does not qualify as a public use, and no taking can be justified by such benefits. Furthermore, it prohibits local governmental bodies from expanding their eminent domain powers beyond what is expressly granted by statute, meaning they cannot create new definitions of public use through local ordinances or policies. The bill also makes conforming language changes and updates statutory references, and it will become effective on November 1, 2026.

Justice

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb1517&Session=2600