Bill > SB1803

This bill, effective November 1, 2026, amends The Governmental Tort Claims Act by requiring law enforcement agencies to adopt and enforce written policies for vehicle pursuits, which are defined as lawful attempts to apprehend a fleeing suspect, a person knowingly trying to evade arrest. The Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (the Council) will set certification standards for "pursuit-ready agencies," mandating these policies cover critical aspects like decision-making, supervision, termination, public safety, intervention tactics, and post-pursuit reviews, and will determine the necessary training hours. Importantly, the bill states that pursuit decisions are considered discretionary acts, and neither officers nor agencies will be held liable for injuries or damages resulting from a lawful pursuit unless there is clear and convincing evidence of intentional or criminal misconduct by the officer. Furthermore, in any civil case stemming from a pursuit, the fleeing suspect's actions are presumed to be the direct cause of any harm or damage, and this presumption can only be overcome with clear and convincing proof of the officer's intentional or criminal misconduct. Law enforcement agencies must enforce these pursuit policies, and the Council will audit compliance, with substantial adherence to policy and training standards considered sufficient.

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http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb1803&Session=2600