House Passes Legislation Modifying Landlord and Tenant Act
OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation by Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, designed to strengthen tenant protections has passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
House Bill 2015 also updates Oklahoma landlord-tenant statutes to provide tenants with clear legal recourse if a landlord fails to meet their legal obligations under a rental agreement or as required by law. The measure outlines procedures tenants may follow in cases of noncompliance and establishes circumstances in which tenants may seek damages or withhold rent until issues are addressed.
Pae said the measure is intended to modernize existing statutes and provide both tenants and landlords with clearer expectations and protections.
“Renters deserve to know they have options when a landlord fails their responsibilities and doesn’t uphold their side of a contract,” Pae said. “House Bill 2015 brings greater clarity and balance to Oklahoma’s landlord-tenant laws while ensuring that disputes can be handled through a fair and structured process.”
HB2015 passed the House 52-30 and now advances to the Oklahoma Senate for consideration, where it is authored by Sen. Todd Gollihare.
House Passes Adams’ Bill Increasing Transparency in Insurance Rates
The Oklahoma House of Representatives passed House Bill 3781, authored by Rep. Stacy Jo Adams, R-Duncan, a measure that would require insurers to submit proposed rate changes to the Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner at least 60 days before those rates could affect consumers.
“As homeowners across Oklahoma continue to face rising insurance costs, Oklahomans are rightfully asking questions,” Adams said. “In a competitive market, transparency builds trust, and if rate increases are justified, then showing the work should not be a problem. This bill simply puts sunlight on the process so Oklahomans can have confidence in the system.”
HB3781 would change how property and casualty insurance rate filings are handled by moving from a use-and-file system to a file-and-wait system. The commissioner would be required to review the filings within that timeframe or request a one-time 60-day extension if additional review is needed under the measure. Any rates determined to be excessive for the coverage provided would be subject to disapproval. The measure also directs the commissioner to halt any insurance practices deemed unfair or unreasonable.
“This bill does not set prices, and it does not interfere with the free market,” Adams said. “Insurance companies will still be able to charge rates that are actuarially sound and justified by risk. What this bill does is bring transparency to the process.”
Currently, insurers can implement rate increases and notify the Oklahoma Insurance Department afterward. Adams said the proposed change ensures rate adjustments are reviewed and supported by data before affecting consumers.
“Oklahomans deserve to understand what is driving these insurance increases and to know that rates are based on real data, not just timing or process,” Adams said.
In addition to modifying the rate filing process, the bill repeals existing statutes related to market competitiveness and regulatory standards, allowing for a more consistent and transparent framework moving forward.
“I believe in a strong, competitive insurance market,” Adams added. “But I also believe in fairness and accountability. House Bill 3781 strikes that balance and helps protect Oklahoma families while maintaining a healthy marketplace.”
HB3781 passed the House with strong bipartisan support and is now eligible for consideration in the Senate, where it will be carried by Sen. Aaron Reinhardt, R-Jenks.
House Unanimously Approves Legislation to Cut ID Theft
Rep. Steve Bashore, R-Miami, this week unanimously passed legislation in the House that targets the growing national crisis of identity theft.
Bashore said House Bill 3244 expands the definition and pattern of these crimes to better encapsulate fraud techniques used by criminals. It would close a loophole where criminals exploit vulnerable populations, including the elderly and minors. Third, it would greatly enhance Oklahoma identity theft laws by expanding the scope of which items or modes are utilized by criminals.
“Identity thieves are ruthless in their pursuit of stealing our personal information and using it to rob us of our assets,” Bashore said. “This is a huge issue occurring globally, nationally, and unfortunately right here in Oklahoma. We must make sure the law is stronger than the criminal intent. This bill is thorough, listing almost every kind of identity theft we can think of and matching penalties to fit these crimes.”
Bashore said he received support for the bill from the Oklahoma Bankers Association, law enforcement agencies statewide and the AARP Oklahoma, among others
HB3244 includes criminals operating in two or more municipalities, or when offenses are committed within and without the state or combined with online or phone fraud. The bill also adds the crime of organized retail theft, when groups work together to rob retailers.
The measure also clarifies and broadens punishment for the crime of using coercion, deception, enticement, intimidation, bartering, recruiting or other means to exploit someone into committing these crimes. This includes someone who has a mental illness, is vulnerable, homeless, intellectually or developmentally disabled, elderly, a user of drugs or alcohol or is a minor. Again, this adds in the pattern aspect of these crimes, making the punishment more severe for those who commit these types of crimes more than once.
The cost of identity theft is large, Bashore said.
“It can cost victims thousands of dollars financially if it doesn’t completely wipe out their assets. It can damage credit and create legal complications, and it can create enormous emotional distress. One’s identity, after all, is unique and personal, the very core of who they are. It’s time we hold better accountable and appropriately punish those who commit this type of crime.”
HB3244 passed the House on a vote of 92-0. It’s been referred for engrossment to the State Senate where it is authored by Sen. Chuck Hall, R-Perry. Hall is chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Bashore is Deputy Majority Floor Leader for the House.
House Passes Bill Designating Memorial Roads, Honoring Longtime House Sergeant at Arms
The Oklahoma House of Representatives has approved House Bill 4265, including a floor amendment to designate a memorial highway honoring longtime House employee Harvey Weathers Jr., who passed away earlier this year.
The amendment, brought by Reps. Ronny Johns, R-Ada, and Eddy Dempsey, R-Valliant, adds the Harvey Weathers Jr. Memorial Highway designation. The bill, as amended, passed the House unanimously.
“Harvey represented the very best of public service,” Dempsey said. “From his time in uniform to his years at the Capitol, he served with integrity and treated everyone with respect. This designation ensures his legacy will be remembered for years to come.”
Weathers served six years in the Oklahoma National Guard and spent 30 years as a firefighter in Oklahoma City. He later served 18 years as a sergeant at arms at the Oklahoma State Capitol, where he became a familiar and respected presence among lawmakers, staff and visitors.
Dempsey said Weathers’ impact extended far beyond his official duties.
“He had a way of connecting with everyone he met,” Johns said. “He brought energy and humor wherever he went, and his kindness left a lasting impression on so many people at the Capitol.”
House Bill 4265 memorializes multiple highways, bridges and interchanges across the state while also updating location descriptions for certain existing designations. Among the new recognitions included in the measure are memorials honoring veterans, local leaders and community members in counties across Oklahoma.
Lawmakers said the additions reflect a continued effort to recognize individuals who have made lasting contributions to their communities and the state.
The bill now moves to the Senate for further consideration.
