OKLAHOMA CITY – If Rep. Molly Jenkins, R-Coyle, has her way, the people of Oklahoma could soon have the opportunity to cast a key vote in defense of property owners' rights.

Jenkins has filed House Joint Resolution 1003, an initiative aimed at ending the abuse of eminent domain by private companies that take government subsidies and leverage them to seize private property.

Jenkins introduced the resolution after a private company began approaching landowners in her district, pressuring them to relinquish their property for the construction of a transmission line tied to federally subsidized green energy projects.

"The people of Oklahoma believe eminent domain should never be accessible to large, government-subsidized corporations," Jenkins said. "House Joint Resolution 1003 would give people the opportunity to have their voices heard and vote whether to prevent this kind of abuse."

If passed by Oklahoma voters, the resolution would amend the State Constitution to ensure that subsidized private companies could no longer use eminent domain to take property. Instead, they would be required to negotiate directly with property owners. The measure would also prohibit wind energy companies from using eminent domain to construct wind turbines.

"I trust that my fellow Oklahomans will do the right thing and advance this important proposal swiftly,” Jenkins said. “Oklahoma landowners are currently under duress and they need immediate relief.”

Jenkins is urging any constituents who are threatened by the use of eminent domain to take their property to contact her office for assistance.

HJR1003 will be eligible for consideration in the upcoming legislative session, which starts Feb. 3. If passed, Oklahomans could see it on the ballot in 2026.