The bill amends the Governmental Tort Claims Act in Oklahoma, focusing on increasing liability limits for claims against the state and its political subdivisions. Key changes include raising the maximum liability for claims from a single act, accident, or occurrence from $25,000 to $75,000 for property loss claims. Additionally, it introduces higher compensation limits for nuisance claims based on county population, with caps set at $225,000 for counties under 150,000 residents and $275,000 for those with larger populations. The bill also establishes a new liability cap of $275,000 for claims related to municipal sewer overflow and increases the overall liability for other claims from $125,000 to $250,000.

Moreover, the bill introduces a mechanism for adjusting liability limits for inflation every five years starting in 2031, based on the Consumer Price Index or a fixed percentage. It clarifies definitions related to the scope of employment and torts, and specifies that the total liability of public trust hospitals and physicians for medical services in smaller counties will not exceed $1 million. The bill aims to modernize the Governmental Tort Claims Act and enhance protections for claimants, with an effective date set for November 1, 2025, following its passage in the Senate.

Statutes affected:
Floor (House): 51-152
Engrossed: 51-152
Enrolled (final version): 51-152