Bill No. 1065 amends Section 61.2 of Title 23 of the Oklahoma Statutes, specifically addressing compensation for noneconomic losses in civil actions arising from bodily injuries. The bill increases the cap on noneconomic damages from $350,000 to $500,000, while maintaining that there is no limit on such damages if the defendant's actions are found to be in reckless disregard, grossly negligent, fraudulent, or intentional. Additionally, the bill stipulates that juries will not be informed of the cap on noneconomic damages during trials, ensuring that the focus remains on the specifics of the case rather than predetermined limits.
Furthermore, the bill clarifies that it does not apply to actions under The Governmental Tort Claims Act or wrongful death actions brought under the Oklahoma Constitution. The effective date for these changes is set for November 1, 2025. This legislation aims to provide greater compensation for victims of bodily injury while ensuring that the judicial process remains fair and focused on the merits of each case.