Bill > HB2771

This bill amends Oklahoma state law regarding the number of special judges in specific judicial administrative districts. Currently, the law determines special judge appointments based on county population, with one special judge for counties with at least 24,000 people and additional judges for every 50,000 people. The bill specifically increases the number of special judges in two judicial administrative districts: beginning July 1, 2025, the Oklahoma-Canadian Counties Judicial Administrative District will increase from one to three special judges, and the Tulsa-Pawnee Counties Judicial Administrative District will have five special judges starting July 1, 2024. Special judges are temporary or supplemental judges appointed to help manage court caseloads and can be assigned to fill vacancies or handle specific cases when needed. The bill includes an emergency clause, which means it will take effect immediately upon the Governor's approval, though the substantive changes to special judge numbers will occur on July 1, 2025. The purpose appears to be addressing potential judicial workload challenges in these specific Oklahoma counties by increasing the number of available special judges.

Budget and Finance

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb2771&Session=2600