Senate approves Sen. Kirt’s legislation updating Oklahoma’s eviction timeline

OKLAHOMA CITY – The full Senate has given bipartisan approval for legislation modernizing Oklahoma’s eviction statutes. Democratic Leader Julia Kirt is the author of Senate Bill 128. Oklahoma is sixth in the nation for evictions and has one of the shortest timelines in the country. SB 128 would extend the summons timeline from five to ten days, giving tenants a better chance to resolve their back rent instead of losing their home.  

Kirt said the bill lines up Oklahoma’s eviction schedule with best practices fair landlords already follow, while helping families stay housed.

“Everyone needs a home, and landlords provide essential services in our communities. I’m so pleased that this bill achieves a compromise at the important intersection of property rights and the economic value of families having stable housing,” said Kirt, D-Oklahoma City. “We know the majority of people who face eviction in our state have children in the home. This reasonable legislation improves the fairness of our eviction process, and I want to thank my fellow senators, innovative business leaders, and local government leaders for their work and support of this effort to modernize our evictions laws and make them better for our communities.” 

Kirt’s legislation now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration. Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, is the House principal author.

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For more information, contact:  Sen. Julia Kirt at 405-521-5636 or Julia.Kirt@oksenate.gov