Lawsuit Reform Bills Advance in Okla. Senate

The evenly divided Oklahoma Senate recently passed three key lawsuit reform measures, according to a Senate announcement.

Senate Republican leaders said they are negotiating with Senate Democrats and leaders of the House of Representatives to develop a comprehensive lawsuit reform package that can win a majority vote in both houses of the Legislature.

The lawsuit reform bills passed by the Oklahoma Senate include:

SB 1024 by Sen. Owen Laughlin, R-Woodward. This legislation helps teachers and school officials maintain discipline and order by providing lawsuit protections for educators.

SB 507 by Sen. Cliff Branan, R-Oklahoma City. This legislation provides protection from lawsuits to volunteers and firearms manufacturers.

SB 824 by Sen. Susan Paddack, D-Ada. This legislation takes a small step toward addressing a December decision by the Oklahoma Supreme Court that struck down some lawsuit protections for physicians.

The measures now go to the House for consideration.

Source: Oklahoma Senate