The bill amends Section 2004 of Title 12 of the Oklahoma Statutes to modernize the service of legal process by allowing electronic means of serving summons. It permits electronic service if ordered by a judge or after three failed personal delivery attempts, with service deemed complete upon receipt. A physical copy must also be mailed to the defendant's last-known address. The bill outlines the use of secure applications for tracking delivery and receipt, and specifies that electronic service cannot lead to a default judgment without evidence of the defendant's acceptance or refusal. Additionally, it requires electronic notifications to include a hyperlink to a secure application for tracking.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies existing laws regarding service by publication and on corporations through the Secretary of State. It mandates that notices served by publication must specify the parties and the nature of the potential judgment, and establishes that service is complete once procedures are followed. It also introduces provisions for serving corporations when no registered agent is available, requiring attempts at the corporation's last-known addresses first. The bill aims to streamline the service process while ensuring defendants receive adequate notice, with an effective date set for November 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 12-2004