Senate Approves Gollihare Bills to Strengthen Property Owners’ Rights and Better Care for Vulnerable Oklahomans

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Senate has advanced two key measures by Senator Todd Gollihare, R-Kellyville, reinforcing property owners’ rights and allowing for better in-home care for Medicaid recipients.

Senate Bill 352 ensures that high-voltage electric transmission projects undergo regulatory review before exercising eminent domain. The bill requires companies to obtain a certificate of authority from the Oklahoma Corporation Commission before proceeding with projects rated 300 kilovolts or higher, while also prohibiting eminent domain for wind, solar, battery storage, and hydrogen facilities without landowner consent.

“Oklahoma property owners deserve strong protections against the overreach of eminent domain. By requiring a certificate of authority before exercising eminent domain for high-voltage transmission projects, this legislation introduces a critical layer of accountability and safeguards the rights of landowners. Senate Bill 352 strikes the right balance between necessary infrastructure development and protecting the interests of those who have built their lives and businesses on their land. Oklahoma landowners should not face the threat of forced land seizures without due process.” – Senator Todd Gollihare
 

Senate Bill 56 requires the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to create a program allowing family members to serve as caregivers for Medicaid recipients under a Registered Nurse’s supervision. These caregivers can receive reimbursement through licensed home care agencies.

“Senate Bill 56 is a crucial step toward ensuring that Oklahoma’s most vulnerable citizens receive compassionate, high-quality care from those who know them best—their own family members. By allowing family caregivers to be recognized and reimbursed for providing essential services under the direction of a registered nurse, this legislation empowers families to care for their loved ones while maintaining quality standards. This bill not only strengthens support for Medicaid recipients but also acknowledges the dedication of family caregivers who often sacrifice their own financial stability to provide care.” – Senator Todd Gollihare
 

Both bills now move to the Oklahoma House of Representatives for further consideration.
 

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For more information, contact: Sen. Todd Gollihare at (405) 521-5528 or Todd.Gollihare@oksenate.gov.