Senator files two bills to change Oklahoma eviction statutes

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — An Oklahoma senator has filed two bills for the 2025 legislative session in hopes of changing the state's current eviction statutes.

“Oklahoma is sixth in the nation for evictions. When families lose their housing, they also can lose stability like their jobs and their children’s school success,” said Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt (D-Oklahoma City). “By modernizing our statutes, we can make sure laws meet the needs of property owners while protecting the rights of tenants. We need to align our laws with the best practices good landlords already follow.”

Kirt announced on Friday that she has filed Senate Bill 815 and Senate Bill 128, which would seal eviction records and give tenants more notice of eviction hearings.

Under SB 815, eviction records would be sealed immediately if an eviction case is dismissed or sound in favor of the defendant, or sealed two years after the date of judgement in other cases.

SB 128 is also meant to help those facing eviction by extending the court summons timeline to give tenants more time to potentially resolve their back rent.

“An eviction case stays on the public record and can make it nearly impossible for that person to find housing in the future, even if it was resolved in their favor or they’ve been able to get back on their feet financially,” Kirt said. “These bills could be real solutions for more Oklahomans to build prosperous futures.”

If passed, both bills would take effect on November 1, 2025.