Bill > HB1596

This bill modifies Oklahoma's civil procedure rules related to pleadings, making several key changes to how legal claims and defenses are presented in court. The bill updates Section 2008 and 2009 of Oklahoma statutes to require more precise and detailed pleadings, mandating that claims include a "short and plain statement" of material facts made with particularity, and clarifying what constitutes a material fact. It introduces requirements that when pleading facts based on belief, parties must provide specific supporting factual information, and it creates a more structured approach to stating claims and defenses. The bill also makes the language gender-neutral by replacing gendered terms like "he" with "he or she" throughout the legal text. Additionally, the bill provides new guidance on alternative claim statements, affirming that parties can present multiple potential legal theories in a single pleading, and it establishes more specific rules about how parties should handle averments (legal assertions) related to things like fraud, conditions precedent, and special damages. The changes aim to increase clarity and precision in legal pleadings while maintaining the overall goal of ensuring substantial justice. The bill is set to become effective on November 1, 2025.

Justice

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb1596&Session=2600