Recently, Oklahoma has taken several important steps to reinforce its legacy of positive legal reforms, making changes that should serve as useful examples for other states. Reversing a recent slowdown in legal reform, Oklahoma enacted several bills this legislative session that together comprise a comprehensive civil justice package, including statutes that restore a cap on noneconomic damages and require transparency in third-party litigation funding (TPLF) agreements, among others.
On May 27, 2025, Gov. Kevin Stitt signed into law SB 453, legislation that reinstates a cap on noneconomic damages that had previously been removed by the Oklahoma Supreme Court in 2019 and aligns Oklahoma’s expert evidence rules with the newly revised Federal Rule of Evidence 702. These changes are set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and should help prevent excessive and unpredictable verdicts, reducing strain on small businesses and healthcare providers.
Another significant part of the state’s tort reform package takes the form of HB 2619, which enhances transparency in civil litigation involving TPLF. The bill was signed by Gov. Stitt on May 15, 2025, and it strengthens the integrity of Oklahoma’s legal system by making TPLF agreements in civil cases before state courts discoverable and prohibiting foreign adversaries from covertly funding Oklahoma lawsuits.
Governor Stitt’s dedication to improving Oklahoma’s legal environment has produced meaningful results that strengthen the state’s business climate and protect Oklahoma families. His reforms aim to reduce frivolous lawsuits, safeguard small businesses, and create a more balanced system that supports consumers and fosters economic growth. As Gov. Stitt noted, “It’s going to keep more doctors in rural Oklahoma. It’s going to attract more health care professionals to our state. It’s going to make it easier for our medical community to take care of Oklahomans and ensure that there’s not some of these crazy, out-of-control verdicts.”
SB 453: Restores Cap on Noneconomic Damages
SB 453 aims to protect businesses from frivolous lawsuits by restoring a cap on noneconomic damages. Key provisions include:
- A $500,000 cap on non-economic damages and a $1M cap on mental anguish damages, with a carve-out for permanent and severe injuries.
- A new law to create an option for expedited civil actions in
fcases where the plaintiff and defendant agree to a $250,000 cap on damages.
- An update to the state’s expert evidence rules in order to align the state with the recently amended Federal Rule of Evidence 702.
HB 2619 aims to protect litigants from predatory lenders and foreign adversaries by increasing transparency in TPLF. Key provisions include:
- Makes TPLF agreements discoverable.
- Banning foreign adversaries from investing in Oklahoma litigation through TPLF agreements.
Other Key Legal Reform Efforts
Oklahoma’s tort reform package also introduced provisions to establish specialized business courts to manage complex business to business litigation. Additionally, it addressed a contentious Oklahoma Supreme Court ruling that had imposed liability on businesses for injuries to independent contractors and jeopardized the enforceability of indemnity clauses in contracts.
A Bold Step Forward
These legislative victories are more than just reforms; they exemplify the strength of the civil justice community’s voice in upholding the integrity of Oklahoma’s legal system. By insisting on transparency and accountability, Oklahoma is setting an example for other states to emulate. The impacts of this effort will be felt far beyond the courtroom—it will foster a more robust and competitive Oklahoma where businesses can prosper, and physicians can concentrate on patient care.
