House Bill No. 1564, known as the "Oklahoma Expedited Actions Act," establishes a streamlined legal process for civil suits where claimants seek monetary relief of $250,000 or less. The bill outlines specific procedures for expedited actions, including limitations on discovery, trial settings, and the admissibility of expert testimony. It mandates that cases under this act must adhere to a defined discovery period of 180 days, with restrictions on the number of depositions, interrogatories, requests for production, and requests for admissions. Additionally, the court is required to set trial dates within 90 days after the discovery period concludes, with provisions for limited extensions.
The bill also provides mechanisms for removing cases from the expedited process if claimants seek relief beyond the specified monetary limit or if good cause is shown. It allows for alternative dispute resolution procedures, which must be completed before the trial date, and sets strict time limits for trial proceedings, including a maximum of eight hours for each side to present their case. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2025, and aims to enhance the efficiency of civil litigation in Oklahoma.