By Ben Morgan and FOX23.com News Staff
OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma Senator Brian Guthrie filed a bill and a resolution aimed at outlawing foreign land ownership in Oklahoma.
“We must close legal gaps in the State of Oklahoma and prevent foreign influences from purchasing and owning property in our state,” said Guthrie. “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 and Senate Joint Resolution 31 both target “loopholes” in Oklahoma state law that allow immigrants to purchase land.
Specifically, SB 1582 defines what constitutes a “bona fide resident” of the State of Oklahoma, claiming that any “lawful permanent resident under state law” has the right to hold and acquire land as a U.S. citizen.
Senate Joint Resolution 31 seeks to amend the constitution to keep non-citizens from owning land within the State of Oklahoma.
“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,” said Guthrie.
These bills also state that anyone who doesn’t maintain citizenship must sell or transfer ownership of their property within five years. If they don’t, the land will be subject to forfeiture by the State.
