This bill amends Section 152 of the Governmental Tort Claims Act in Oklahoma, updating definitions related to various terms used within the Act. Notably, it modifies the definition of "political subdivision" to include additional entities, specifically inserting provisions that recognize public trusts created under Section 3224 of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes, along with their not-for-profit corporations and subsidiaries. The bill also clarifies the scope of who qualifies as an "employee" under the Act, ensuring that independent contractors and their employees are included when engaged in specific activities related to emergency services.

The bill is set to take effect on November 1, 2026, and aims to enhance the clarity and applicability of the Governmental Tort Claims Act by refining the definitions of key terms. This legislative change is intended to ensure that the Act adequately addresses the complexities of governmental liability and the roles of various entities and individuals involved in providing public services.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 51-152