Bill > SB1657

This bill, declared an emergency measure, prohibits the manufacture, distribution, mailing, transport, delivery, prescription, or provision of abortion-inducing drugs within Oklahoma, defining such drugs as those prescribed with the intent to terminate a pregnancy and cause the death of the unborn child, excluding those prescribed for other medical indications like chemotherapy. The act allows for enforcement solely through civil lawsuits brought by private citizens, known as "qui tam" actions, where the citizen (relator) sues on behalf of the state and can receive a portion of any awarded damages, but it explicitly exempts hospitals, state-operated facilities, internet providers, and individuals acting under federal direction, as well as women seeking or obtaining these drugs for their own abortions, and certain other specific individuals and entities. The bill also outlines conditions under which a qui tam action cannot be brought, such as against a transportation network company or courier service, and prohibits class-action lawsuits, while also imposing strict rules on the disclosure of personal information of women involved and preventing depositions of women without their consent, with a six-year statute of limitations for bringing such actions. Furthermore, it establishes specific affirmative defenses and prohibits others, such as ignorance of the law, and mandates significant financial penalties for violations, including a minimum of $100,000 per violation, with provisions for how these funds are distributed to the relator and potentially to charitable organizations, and it also includes measures to prevent other states from enforcing laws that would penalize actions taken under this Oklahoma law.

Health and Social Services

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb1657&Session=2600