Senate Bill No. 836 amends Section 1203 of Title 69 of the Oklahoma Statutes, which governs the acquisition of land for state highways. The bill updates the language and structure of the section, creating a clearer framework for the Department's authority to acquire land through purchase, donation, or condemnation. Notably, it establishes a time limit for certain liabilities related to the acquisition process and outlines the procedures for determining just compensation for property taken, including the roles of commissioners and the district court in assessing damages.

Key changes include the introduction of new subsections that clarify the responsibilities of mortgagees or lien holders regarding excess payments received from commissioners' awards, specifying that they are only liable to return the difference between what they received and the determined just compensation. Additionally, the bill stipulates that this liability is contingent upon the determination being made within one year of the payment. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes an emergency clause for immediate implementation upon passage and approval.