House Bill No. 2138, introduced by Kannady, amends Oklahoma's civil procedure laws concerning default judgments and postjudgment interest. The bill stipulates that if a defendant does not respond to a summons and petition within twenty days, a motion for default judgment is unnecessary, and the court can grant such a judgment without notice. It further clarifies that any communication with the plaintiff does not constitute a formal response unless it is documented in writing and filed with the court. Additionally, the bill allows for an evidentiary hearing on damages even if the defendant has not formally responded.

The bill also revises the rules regarding the accrual of postjudgment interest, stating that interest will apply to amounts collected on judgments enforced during an appeal that is later overturned, starting from the date the judgment is rendered or filed with the court clerk. It establishes that interest will accrue from the earlier of the judgment date or the filing date, and if a judgment creates a lien against property without a specified interest rate, prejudgment interest will be allowed from the lien filing date until the verdict. The postjudgment interest rate is set at the prime rate plus two percent, as certified by the State Treasurer, and these provisions will apply to judgments rendered on or after January 1, 2005, and actions filed on or after January 1, 2010. The changes will take effect on November 1, 2025, providing a transition period for implementation.