Bill > HB1777

This bill amends the Oklahoma Citizens Participation Act by expanding the list of legal actions that are exempt from the act's provisions. Specifically, the bill adds a new category of exemptions for civil actions arising from officer-director, employee-employer, or independent contractor relationships that seek recovery for misappropriation of trade secrets or corporate opportunities, or seek to enforce non-disparagement agreements, non-compete covenants, non-disclosure agreements, or confidentiality agreements. The bill maintains existing exemptions for enforcement actions by the Attorney General or district attorneys, legal actions related to sales or leases of goods and services, actions seeking recovery for bodily injury or wrongful death, and actions under the Oklahoma Insurance Code. The Oklahoma Citizens Participation Act (often referred to as an anti-SLAPP law) is designed to provide a mechanism for quickly dismissing lawsuits that might be intended to censor, intimidate, or silence critics by imposing legal burdens. By adding these specific exemptions, the bill narrows the scope of cases that can be quickly dismissed under the act. The bill is set to become effective on November 1, 2025.

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http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb1777&Session=2600