House Bill 2147, introduced by Representative Kannady on February 3, 2025, aims to establish the Municipal Code Lien Enforcement Act of 2025 in Oklahoma. This legislation seeks to empower municipalities to enforce housing and building code violations through the imposition of liens on properties, excluding owner-occupied homes.

The bill outlines that municipalities can impose fees, penalties, and abatement costs for code violations, which can then be enforced as liens against the property in question. It allows municipalities to initiate judicial in rem foreclosures of these liens, provided they enact an ordinance or resolution authorizing such actions. Notably, the bill specifies that it does not create personal liability for property owners regarding these municipal code liens, focusing solely on the property itself.

Key provisions of the bill include requirements for municipalities to follow when filing for judicial foreclosure, including notice requirements and timeframes for initiating proceedings. The legislation is designed to streamline the enforcement process for municipalities, ensuring they have a clear legal framework to address code violations effectively.

Debate surrounding House Bill 2147 has highlighted concerns from property rights advocates who argue that the bill could lead to aggressive enforcement actions against property owners, particularly those who may be struggling financially. Supporters, however, contend that the bill is necessary to maintain community standards and ensure compliance with housing regulations.

The implications of this bill could be significant for local governments in Oklahoma, providing them with enhanced tools to manage code enforcement and potentially increasing revenue through the collection of fines and fees. As municipalities grapple with maintaining housing standards, the passage of this bill could lead to more rigorous enforcement of building codes, impacting property owners and tenants alike.

As the legislative session progresses, stakeholders will be closely monitoring the bill's journey through the Oklahoma State Legislature, with potential amendments and discussions likely to shape its final form.