Bill > HB1564

This bill creates the Oklahoma Expedited Actions Act, which establishes a streamlined civil litigation process for cases seeking monetary damages of $250,000 or less. The act provides a faster, more efficient trial process with specific limitations on discovery and trial procedures. Under this act, cases are subject to a 180-day discovery period with strict limits on depositions (20 total hours per party), interrogatories (15 per party), document production requests (15 per party), and admission requests (15 per party). Trials must be set within 90 days after discovery ends, and each side is allowed only 8 hours (extendable to 12 hours with good cause) for jury selection, opening statements, evidence presentation, witness examination, and closing arguments. The bill also mandates an optional alternative dispute resolution process not exceeding half a day and costing no more than twice the civil filing fees. Parties can be removed from the expedited process if they seek relief beyond monetary damages or if a court finds good cause. Expert testimony challenges are limited, typically only allowed during a pretrial conference or trial. The act is set to become effective on November 1, 2025, aiming to provide a more streamlined and cost-effective approach to civil litigation for smaller monetary claims.