House Bill No. 2014, introduced by Representative Pae, amends Section 921.1 of Title 12 of the Oklahoma Statutes, which pertains to the Legal Services Revolving Fund. The bill expands the scope of funding to include legal representation for indigent persons in forcible entry and detainer actions, commonly known as eviction cases. It defines "indigent" as individuals with an income level of not more than 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Attorney General allocate these funds to eligible organizations that provide legal assistance to indigent clients across all counties in Oklahoma.
The bill also stipulates that funds for legal representation in civil matters will prioritize family law services, particularly those involving domestic violence and abuse, as well as eviction cases. It outlines the conditions under which organizations may contract for these services, including the requirement to determine client eligibility and maintain proper financial records. Furthermore, the bill establishes a revolving fund for the Office of the Attorney General, which will consist of various sources of revenue for indigent legal services. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.