What's New In Oklahoma

Oklahoma Governor Henry Vetoes Major Legal Reform Bill

April 28, 2007 - Governor Brad Henry (D), below left, vetoed SB 507, a major lawsuit reform bill that was passed by the Oklahoma legislature after years of intense effort by pro-reform leaders.  Although Governor Henry initially indicated he was willing to continue negotiating with legislative leaders to achieve a compromise, ultimately he refused all the alternatives discussed and the bill is dead for 2007.

Ironically, the bill closely followed Governor Henry's 2004 proposal calling for 28 legal reform provisions, seven of which have been enacted since 2004. According to some observers, Henry made the proposal in 2004 without first getting the support of the plaintiff lawyers that are among his key supporters.  Until this year, Gov. Henry did not have to overtly reject his own proposal because the proposal never made it through the Oklahoma Senate.  In April, advocates had the votes needed and the bill was approved by the Senate 25 to 23 thus bringing it to Gov. Henry's desk.

As reasons for vetoing his own proposal, Henry asserted that parts of the bill are unconstitutional and that others would restrict access to the courts by those who are legitimate plaintiffs.  These typically are the reasons cited by the personal injury lawyer associations why lawsuit abuse reform measure should not become law. 

Senators Branan, Coffee (right), Paddack, Laughlin, and Williamson worked with Representatives Cox, Rob Johnson, Sullivan, Thompson and Speaker Cargill to get this legal reform bill drafted and passed by both Chambers. This accomplishment would not have been achieved without the efforts and close cooperation of several statewide medical associations, hospitals and chambers of commerce.

Watch Video Interview with Senate Co-President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee (R)

Details on SB 507

Survey Reveals Oklahoma Liability Laws Undermining State Economy

The State Chamber of Oklahoma, with assistance from the American Justice Partnership, has completed a landmark survey in February 2006 among Oklahoma business owners and managers that reveals how the legal climate in Oklahoma is undermining the state’s economy.

The survey respondents reflect the group of small and medium size businesses that traditionally generate the greatest share of new jobs and fuel local economic growth. The future economic prosperity of the state is, without a doubt, tied to the ability of these companies to expand their activities and create new jobs that provide attractive opportunities for employees and their families to remain in or move to Oklahoma.

Of those business leaders responding, 88% say that Oklahoma’s legal climate imposes costs on businesses that hurt job growth.

The leaders of Oklahoma who provide the jobs to our citizens have spoken very clearly,” said Dick Rush, (left), president and CEO of The State Chamber. “A bad legal environment is visibly undermining our economy.”

Among other findings, the survey highlights the disconnect between the state’s current economic development goals and the perception held by the business community that the legislature is out of touch with the very real challenges of successfully managing a business in Oklahoma.

Download Summary Report of Survey

Interested in Legal Reform in Oklahoma? Click Here

Lt. Governor Fallin hosts Small Business Day

Oklahoma City, OK  April 25, 2005— National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) President and former Governor of Michigan John Engler, and American Justice Partnership (AJP) Chairman Steve Hantler, told state leaders today at the Capitol the time has come for legal reform in Oklahoma for businesses and consumers. 

AJP Chairman Steve Hantler

“The Lieutenant Governor should be commended for her efforts,” said Engler. “For everyone who has a payroll and cashes a payroll check, it is essential that we accomplish legal reform at the state level to create a predictable business environment that will enable us to compete

NAM President John Engler

 successfully at home and against our competitors around the globe."

“Oklahoma is at a crossroads and the economic well-being of the Oklahoma families, communities and businesses hang in the balance,” said Hantler.  “Their well-being depends on state leaders making a commitment to the goal of restoring fairness and predictability to the legal system.”                 

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