Governor Stitt Enhances Transparency in Civil Asset Forfeiture Practices

OKLAHOMA CITY (January 30, 2026) - Today, Governor Kevin Stitt signed an executive order aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in how law enforcement handles seized property. This step is aligned with the Governor's ongoing commitment to reforming civil asset forfeiture to better protect property rights while empowering law enforcement to do their jobs effectively.

The executive order requires detailed annual reports on civil asset forfeitures to be made available to the public, promoting accountability and protecting citizens’ rights. This action addresses longstanding concerns about government overreach while preserving forfeiture as a key tool against crime.

"Members of our law enforcement put their lives on the line every day to protect Oklahomans. Civil asset forfeiture is a powerful tool, so it needs to be wielded with maximum transparency to ensure individual property rights are respected,” said Governor Stitt. “Increased transparency in this practice will protect against abuse, real or perceived, and will build greater trust between our dedicated officers and the communities they serve.”

Civil asset forfeiture allows seizure of property linked to illegal activity, often without criminal conviction. Critics of the practice point out that law enforcement agencies are legally permitted to retain proceeds from forfeitures, potentially creating misaligned incentives.

As part of the directive, all law enforcement agencies across the state will be required to submit annual records to the Oklahoma Commissioner of Public Safety, detailing the property seized during the reporting year. The Commissioner will then compile this information into a straightforward, accessible report and make it available on a public website for Oklahomans.

The full text of the executive order is available here.

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