Oklahoma Senate Bill SB916

Oklahoma 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/3/25
• Refer: 2/4/25

Caption

Property; prohibiting control of certain real property by certain foreign adversaries. providing for acquisition and subsequent sale of certain property upon certain judicial determination. Effective date.

Impact

The bill mandates that any person or entity found to be in violation must divest their property interests within a specified period. Failure to comply could result in forfeiture of the property to the state. Such laws could significantly impact real estate transactions and ownership patterns, especially in agricultural regions and areas near military bases, consequently altering the state’s financial landscape concerning property values and investments.

Summary

Senate Bill 916, introduced by Senator Bergstrom, seeks to regulate foreign ownership of real property within Oklahoma, particularly targeting acquisitions by entities or individuals from 'foreign adversary nations.' This legislation defines parameters around what constitutes a foreign adversary and specifically prohibits such entities from owning agricultural land or property within five miles of military installations. The bill further establishes a registration process for existing property interests that may be considered in violation of these new restrictions.

Contention

Debate surrounding SB916 is likely to encompass concerns regarding property rights and the implications for individuals and businesses that may inadvertently fall within the scope of this legislation. Stakeholders could argue about the effectiveness and necessity of such prohibitive measures, balancing national security concerns against economic implications for foreign investments in local markets. Specifically, the exemptions for U.S. citizens, legal residents, and diplomatic parties might spark discussions on fairness and the potential for discriminatory practices against foreign nationals.