Bill > HB2943

This bill amends the Oklahoma Discovery Code to establish new rules for obtaining depositions from high-ranking officers in government entities or other public and private organizations. Specifically, the bill creates a protective order mechanism that requires a party seeking to depose a high-ranking officer to demonstrate that the officer lacks unique personal knowledge about the case, has extensive scheduling demands, and is part of a large and complex organization. If the party seeking the protective order meets this burden, the court must prevent the deposition unless the party seeking the deposition can prove they have exhausted other reasonable discovery methods, their current discovery is inadequate, and the officer has unique personal knowledge of the case. The bill also allows courts to limit the scope of depositions if the officer lacks complete personal knowledge of all relevant matters and provides a framework for potentially modifying or vacating the protective order after additional discovery. Additionally, the bill maintains existing provisions about potential cost awards related to protective order motions, allowing courts to require the losing party to pay reasonable expenses and attorney fees. The bill is set to become effective on November 1, 2026, providing ample time for legal professionals to understand and prepare for its implementation.

Justice

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb2943&Session=2600