OK HB1791

Requires entities exercising eminent domain to make a bona fide offer to acquire property voluntarily before initiating condemnation proceedings; courts must dismiss suits and award attorney fees if this requirement is violated.

Mandates entities provide property owners with written disclosure at acquisition that owners may repurchase the property if the public use is canceled or construction fails to begin within 10 years of acquisition, with repurchase price equal to original acquisition price.

Requires governing bodies to take a recorded vote at public meetings before initiating condemnation proceedings; allows single ordinances for multiple properties under specified conditions but requires separate votes if members object.

Establishes petition filing requirements in district court with notice to property owners, including legal description, engineer statement of necessity, public use purpose, owner names, statement that damages cannot be agreed upon, and confirmation of bona fide offer.

Allows property owners whose land is acquired for easements to construct streets or roads above the easement, with roads over easements limited to 40 feet in width; effective November 1, 2013.