Oklahoma House approves eviction measure in marathon session

OKLAHOMA CITY — Evictions would increase under legislation approved by the Oklahoma House of Representatives on Thursday, opponents of the measure claimed.

House Bill 2394, by Rep. Logan Phillips, R-Mounds, would change a section of law that allows landlords to initiate eviction proceedings for “any drug-related criminal activity on or near the premises by the tenant or by any member of the tenant’s household or any guest or other person under the tenant’s control” by deleting the phrase “on or near the premises.”

The matter is of particular interest to Tulsa, which has one of the highest eviction rates in the country. Oklahoma City also has a relatively high eviction rate.

Supporters of HB 2394 said it would protect property rights and property owners.

“What this comes down to fundamentally is what you believe about property rights,” said Rep. Trey Caldwell, R-Lawton. “Do people who have put up an investment have the right to protect that investment? (Democrats) have said it’s unfair. There’s nothing unfair about it. If you commit a criminal act, it begins a process.”

Read more: https://www.tulsaworld.com/news/local/government-and-politics/oklahoma-house-approves-eviction-measure-in-marathon-session/article_c62d8db9-c0b5-550d-8804-d51eeff4be15.html