Senate Bill 1582 Advances to Strengthen Oklahoma Foreign Land Ownership Ban
The Senate Judiciary Committee approved Senate Bill 1582 by Senator Brian Guthrie, R-Bixby, to strengthen Oklahoma’s ban on foreign land ownership by closing loopholes left in prior law.
Oklahoma previously enacted legislation intended to prohibit foreign ownership of land. However, vague language such as “shall become” or “who may become a bona fide resident” created legal gaps that attorneys have found to be unenforceable.
Brian Guthrie: “We cannot allow unclear language to undermine the intent of Oklahoma law”
“We cannot allow unclear language to undermine the intent of Oklahoma law,” Guthrie said. “This legislation finally shuts down those loopholes and guarantees our lands are purchased only by lawful citizens.”
Under the bill, a bona fide resident is defined as a lawful permanent resident of the United States, and a lawful permanent resident is defined as a foreign national who has been granted the right to reside permanently in the United States.
Defining Lawful Permanent Resident and Land Requirements
The measure also provides that if any such resident alien ceases to be a bona fide resident of the state, they must dispose of the land within one year.
Supporters of the measure say clarifying definitions around foreign land ownership, lawful permanent residency, and state residency requirements will help ensure state law is enforceable and consistent. Lawmakers backing the bill argue the changes reinforce protections for agricultural land, private property rights, and rural communities while maintaining alignment with federal immigration standards.
Committee Vote and Senate Consideration
The committee vote was 5-1 and the lone ‘no’ vote was made by Sen. Michael Brooks (D-OKC) who is an immigration attorney and previously went by the name of Brooks-Jimenez.
The legislation now moves forward in the Oklahoma Senate, where lawmakers will consider the proposal as part of ongoing efforts to clarify state statutes tied to land ownership, residency definitions, and legal enforcement.
SB 1582 is now eligible for consideration by the full Senate.