Constitutional amendment; modifying persons who may own land.
Summary
SJR31 is a proposed joint resolution that would place a constitutional amendment before Oklahoma voters to change who may own land in the state. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to refer the measure to the ballot and includes a ballot title stating that the amendment would prohibit persons who are not citizens of the United States from owning land in Oklahoma.
The text would revise Section 1 of Article XXII of the Oklahoma Constitution, which already restricts land ownership by non-citizens and aliens, while preserving existing exceptions for Indians born in the United States, bona fide residents, and land already owned by aliens. The resolution also sets out the ballot language and directs filing of the measure with the Secretary of State and Attorney General.
Impact
If approved by voters, the measure would amend the Oklahoma Constitution and could tighten or clarify restrictions on real property ownership by non-U.S. citizens. It would affect landowners, prospective purchasers, heirs, and estate transfers involving non-citizens, and would likely require the Legislature and state agencies to enforce the updated constitutional rule through implementing laws and procedures.
Sentiment
There is no recorded committee transcript or vote history provided, so the overall sentiment cannot be measured from debate or roll call. Based on the bill text alone, the resolution appears to reflect a policy preference for restricting land ownership to U.S. citizens, but the available record does not show support, opposition, or amendments from legislators.
Contention
The main point of contention is the scope and policy justification for limiting land ownership by non-citizens, which can raise questions about property rights, equal treatment, and effects on immigrants, foreign investors, and mixed-status families. The measure also preserves exceptions for certain groups and existing ownership, which could prompt discussion about fairness, grandfathering, and whether the constitutional language is broader or narrower than current law.
Constitutional amendment; modifying procedure for fair cash value for improvements on homestead; prohibiting addition of fair cash value on same improvements for certain seniors.