The bill amends Oklahoma's laws concerning process servers, focusing on the application process, fees, and methods of service. It prohibits the electronic storage of process server applications and eliminates various fees, retaining only a $150 initial application fee and establishing a $15 renewal fee with no additional charges. The bill requires process servers' telephone numbers to be listed on a statewide registry and disallows the use of a process server's license number as a court case number. It also expands service methods to include locations such as a person's workplace and medical facilities, while defining procedures for serving in private or gated communities and creating misdemeanor offenses for non-compliance by employers and medical staff.

Additionally, the bill modifies the service of process in civil cases, stipulating that service by mail cannot result in a default judgment without a return receipt or indication of refusal. It clarifies valid acceptance of service by individuals aged fifteen or older at the defendant's address and outlines procedures for service by publication when defendants are unlocatable. The bill introduces provisions for serving corporations through the Secretary of State when registered agents are unavailable, mandates attempts at the corporation's last known addresses, and emphasizes the necessity of proof of service. It also elevates the classification of assault against process servers from a misdemeanor to a felony, increasing potential penalties. The bill is set to take effect on November 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 12-158.1, 12-2004, 21-650.6