The Oklahoma Senate has advanced a key measure by Senator Todd Gollihare, R-Kellyville, reinforcing property owners’ rights.
Senate Bill 352 ensures that high-voltage electric transmission projects undergo regulatory review before exercising eminent domain. The bill requires companies to obtain a certificate of authority from the Oklahoma Corporation Commission before proceeding with projects rated 300 kilovolts or higher, while also prohibiting eminent domain for wind, solar, battery storage, and hydrogen facilities without landowner consent.
“Oklahoma property owners deserve strong protections against the overreach of eminent domain,” explained the Senator.
“By requiring a certificate of authority before exercising eminent domain for high-voltage transmission projects, this legislation introduces a critical layer of accountability and safeguards the rights of landowners. Senate Bill 352 strikes the right balance between necessary infrastructure development and protecting the interests of those who have built their lives and businesses on their land. Oklahoma landowners should not face the threat of forced land seizures without due process.”
The bill was passed on a 46-0 vote and now moves to the Oklahoma House of Representatives for further consideration.