UPDATE: Gov. Kevin Stitt vetoed SB 128.
OKLAHOMA CITY (OBV) – A bill modifying Oklahoma’s timeline for evictions to give tenants more time to pay their debt was sent to Gov. Kevin Stitt to be signed into law.
Senate Bill 128, written by Sen. Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City, and Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, adds five days to the length of time from the eviction summons delivery date to the eviction hearing date.
The bill also states that a summons must be served at least seven days, instead of three days, before the trial day of the trial.
“The majority of people facing eviction have children in the home,” Kirt said. “This is reasonable legislation that takes into account both the property rights of landlords and the importance of Oklahoma families to have stable housing. I want to thank Representative Pae for his hard work on SB 128, and the House members who supported this measure as well.”
The changes to the current eviction timeline gives tenants more notice and time to resolve their debts.
Kansas and Missouri enacted eviction laws with similar timeframes, according to Pae.
“By giving tenants a few more days of notice, we’re creating a more balanced process that can help prevent families from falling through the cracks,” Pae said. “I appreciate Senator Kirt’s leadership on this issue, and I’m proud to support this commonsense reform.”
SB 128 was sent to Gov. Kevin Stitt for final approval after passing both the Oklahoma Senate and the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
