IMMEDIATE ACTION NEEDED FOR PROPERTY MANAGERS/OWNERS:

HB3499 – This bill will add language requiring LIHTC properties only to conduct an individualized review of all criminal history records and the impact on the household’s suitability for admission.  It requires defined criminal history screening policies that state that applicants with felony convictions may only be denied housing if an individualized review shows that the safety of residents and the property.  This policy must include criteria for lookback periods, no blanket denials and procedures for individualized reviews.  Many of our property management members have indicated that this bill is too subjective and may inadvertently lead to Fair Housing issues as it can not be consistently applied.  This issue could also be more easily addressed through the OHFA rulemaking process rather than a state statute.   This has been scheduled to be heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, March 26^th in Room 4S9.  Click Here for the full meeting agenda.  Click Hereto view all members of the Judiciary Committee.  We recommend that you contact members of the Senate Judiciary Committee immediately to voice your concerns.

For those that are looking to take action, the best course is to have your staff contact every Senator on the Judiciary Committee by phone and/or email today.  CLICK HERE for contact information for all the Senators (listed under the SENATE tab).  Some submitted talking points are available here.

ADDITIONAL BILL UPDATES:

HB4018 – This bill will tweak the Oklahoma Affordable Housing Act to more closely mirror the allocation of federal LIHTCs.  Any unused credits at year end may be rolled over to the following year and any returned credits may be reallocated.  This is a revenue neutral item.

This bill has been assigned to the Senate Finance Committee on Monday,  March 25^th.  Click Here to view the meeting details and agenda.  Click Here to view members of the Senate Finance Committee.

Please contact your Senator and request they VOTE YES ON HB4018. 

HB3704 – This bill will limit contingencies on real estate contracts to 180 days. This is a repeat of a previous bill (SB1168) that we fought in 2022.  This bill limits contingencies in real estate contracts for permitting, zoning, etc to 180 days.  This is simply not enough time for our developments.  An amendment is pending to remove the 180 day limit.

This bill is scheduled to be heard in Business and Commerce Committee on Monday, March 25^th.  Click Here to view the meeting agenda and room assignment. Click Here to view the Committee members.