Oklahoma AG Opinion Clears Path for Free Eviction Representation
Think of it as a public defender for evictions.
Attorney General Gentner Drummond last week issued an opinion saying public money could be spent with a nonprofit organization to help prevent evictions.
As Heather Warlick reported, that means Tulsa and Oklahoma City, which have two of the nation’s highest eviction rates, could help fund an organization such as Legal Aid Services Oklahoma, which could provide attorneys to represent people facing eviction, much the way the state provides lawyers to those accused of a crime who can’t afford to hire an attorney.
Some municipalities have Right to Counsel ordinances, requiring that attorneys be made available to evictees. Drummond’s opinion didn’t address such laws but paved the way for public assistance.
That’s important because most people facing eviction either don’t show up for court or attend without the aid of counsel. On the other side, landlords almost always have an attorney representing their interests. Tenants rarely win.
Having legal help available in eviction cases can save the republic money; 27% of Oklahoma City and Tulsa residents experiencing homelessness have been evicted, and the National Alliance to End Homelessness estimated that one chronically homeless person costs taxpayers an average of $35,578 per year.
More worth reading:
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The Census Bureau’s latest population estimate puts the Oklahoma City metro population at 1,477,926 as of July 2023, a five-year increase of 3.4%. The report estimated Tulsa’s metro area population at 1,044,757 a five-year gain of 2.9%. [Census] [Journal Record]
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In Oklahoma, Native American communities are the most likely to be at risk of flooding, with one recent study showing the danger increases by more than five times when compared to surrounding areas. [Grist]
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Despite a near-total ban on abortion, Oklahoma’s state Legislature saw dozens of bills attempting to impose more restrictions. But none crossed the finish line to become law this session. [Oklahoma Voice]
Oklahoma averages 57.5 tornadoes per year.
Ciao for now,
Ted Streuli
Executive Director, Oklahoma Wat
