OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Brian Guthrie, R-Bixby, filed two pieces of legislation to further efforts to prohibit foreign land ownership in Oklahoma. Senate Bill 1582 and Senate Joint Resolution 31 aim to close loopholes within state statute and the Oklahoma Constitution that allow aliens to obtain land.
“We must close legal gaps in the State of Oklahoma and prevent foreign influences from purchasing and owning property in our state,” Guthrie said. “These measures will protect Oklahoma lands from outside control, while keeping it in the hands of those with a real stake in our state.”
Senate Bill 1582 defines a bona fide resident as a lawful permanent resident under state law and provides such residents with the same rights to acquire and hold land as United States citizens.
Senate Joint Resolution 31 proposes a constitutional amendment to prohibit persons who are not citizens of the United States from owning land in Oklahoma. If passed by the Legislature, the proposal will go before Oklahoma voters as a state question.
“These bills ensure bona fide residents who live here, work here, and pay taxes in Oklahoma can continue to own land, while prohibiting non-citizens from exploiting loopholes to gain ownership of our land and resources,” Guthrie added.
The measures also provide that those who cease to maintain bona fide residency must sell or transfer ownership of the land within 5 years. If the non-citizen or their heirs do not relinquish the property within the allotted time, it is subject to forfeiture to the state.
SB 1582 and SJR 31 will be eligible for consideration during the 2026 legislative session, which begins Feb. 2.
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For more information, contact: Sen. Brian Guthrie at 405-521-5675 or email [email protected].
