House Bill No. 2771 amends Section 122 of Title 20 of the Oklahoma Statutes regarding the appointment of special judges in various judicial administrative districts. The bill increases the number of special judges in specific counties, notably changing the provision for the Oklahoma-Canadian Counties Judicial Administrative District from one special judge to three, effective July 1, 2025. Additionally, it establishes that five special judges will be appointed in the Tulsa-Pawnee Counties Judicial Administrative District starting July 1, 2024. The bill also maintains the existing provisions for the appointment of special judges based on population criteria and allows for the appointment of additional special judges as necessary for the administration of justice.

The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes an emergency clause, indicating its immediate necessity for the preservation of public peace, health, or safety. This legislative change aims to enhance the judicial system's capacity to handle cases more efficiently by increasing the number of available special judges in designated areas.

Statutes affected:
House Committee Substitute: 20-122
Floor (House): 20-122
Engrossed: 20-122
Enrolled (final version): 20-122