reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-1313.3. Fingerprinting fee - Deposits - Definitions.

A. In addition to the fees imposed by Sections 1313.2 and 1313.4 of this title, any person convicted of any offense, including traffic offenses but excluding parking and standing violations, punishable by a fine of Ten Dollars ($10.00) or more or by incarceration or any person forfeiting bond when charged with such offense, shall be ordered by the court to pay a fingerprinting fee in the amount of Ten Dollars ($10.00) for each offense for the A.F.I.S. Fund created by Section 150.25 of Title 74 of the Oklahoma Statutes. The fee shall be in addition to and not in substitution for any and all fines and penalties otherwise provided for by law for the offense. The fee shall be collected at the same time as the fees provided for in Section 1313.2 of this title. Nine Dollars ($9.00) of each fee received pursuant to this section shall be paid directly to the A.F.I.S. Fund and the balance shall be deposited in the General Revenue Fund by the court clerk. The payments shall be made to the appropriate fund by the court clerk on a monthly basis as set forth by subsection H of Section 1313.2 of this title.
B. As used in this section:
1. "Convicted" means any final adjudication of guilt, whether pursuant to a plea of guilty or nolo contendere or otherwise, and any deferred judgment or suspended sentence; and
2. "Court" means any state or municipal court having jurisdiction to impose a criminal fine or penalty.
Added by Laws 1990, c. 282, § 1, operative July 1, 1990. Amended by Laws 1994, c. 188, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1994; Laws 1999, c. 386, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 1999; Laws 2001, c. 404, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2001; Laws 2002, c. 22, § 6, emerg. eff. March 8, 2002; Laws 2003, c. 319, § 8; Laws 2004, c. 5, § 9, emerg. eff. March 1, 2004; Laws 2004, c. 556, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2004; Laws 2017, c. 124, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2017.
NOTE: Laws 2001, c. 258, § 4 repealed by Laws 2002, c. 22, § 34, emerg. eff. March 8, 2002. Laws 2003, c. 224, § 2 repealed by Laws 2004, c. 5, § 10, emerg. eff. March 1, 2004.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-1313.4. Forensic Science Improvement Revolving Fund – Assessment – Collection.

A. In addition to the penalty assessments and fees imposed by Sections 1313.2 and 1313.3 of this title, any person convicted of any offense, including traffic offenses, but excluding parking and standing violations, punishable by a fine of Ten Dollars ($10.00) or more or by incarceration, or any person forfeiting any bond when charged with any offense, shall be ordered by the court to pay a Forensic Science Improvement Assessment in the amount of Ten Dollars ($10.00) for each offense. The assessment shall be in addition to, and not in substitution for, any and all fines and penalties otherwise provided by law for the offense. The assessment shall be collected at the time and in the manner as the fees provided in Sections 1313.2 and 1313.3 of this title. Each municipal court clerk is authorized to retain five percent (5%) of the assessment collected by each municipal court clerk pursuant to the provisions of this section. All court clerks shall send the assessments collected to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation for deposit into the Forensic Science Improvement Revolving Fund created by Section 150.35 of Title 74 of the Oklahoma Statutes less any amount authorized to be retained. The deposits of funds collected pursuant to the provisions of this section shall be due and payable as required in subsection H of Section 1313.2 of this title. Any funds deposited as required by this section shall be listed as a separate item from other deposits made pursuant to Sections 1313.2 and 1313.3 of this title.
B. As used in this section, "convicted" and "court" shall have the same meaning as defined by Section 1313.2 of this title.
Added by Laws 2001, c. 225, § 4, eff. July 1, 2001. Amended by Laws 2003, c. 224, § 3, eff. July 1, 2003; Laws 2017, c. 200, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2017.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-1313.5. Penalty assessment in addition to penalties for certain traffic offenses.

A. As used in this section:
1. “Convicted” means any final adjudication of guilt, whether pursuant to a plea of guilty or nolo contendere or otherwise, and any deferred or suspended sentence or judgment; and
2. “Court” means any district court having jurisdiction to impose a criminal fine or penalty.
B. In addition to any other penalty assessment imposed by law, any person convicted of any traffic offense punishable pursuant to Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes, but excluding a conviction for a violation of Section 11-901, 11-902, 11-1112, 11-1114 or 12-417 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes and excluding parking and standing violations, or any person forfeiting bond when charged with such an offense, shall be ordered by the court to pay a fee of Twenty Dollars ($20.00) as a separate penalty assessment. The assessment and fee shall be in addition to and not in substitution for any and all fines and penalties otherwise provided for by law for such offense.
C. The fee shall be collected at the same time and in the same manner as the penalty assessments provided for in Sections 1313.2 and 1313.3 of this title. Each court clerk is authorized to retain all interest accrued thereon prior to the due date for deposits as provided in this subsection. The court clerk shall deposit the fee collected pursuant to this section in the account provided for in subsection D of Section 1313.2 of this title, and the amounts imposed by this section shall be forwarded monthly in one check or draft to the Department of Public Safety to be deposited in the Department of Public Safety Patrol Vehicle Revolving Fund.
D. The deposits required by this section shall be included in the report required by Section 1313.2 of this title and shall be listed as a separate item.
Added by Laws 2001, c. 435, § 12, eff. July 1, 2001. Amended by Laws 2004, c. 354, § 2, eff. July 1, 2004.
NOTE: Editorially renumbered from § 1313.4 of this title to avoid duplication in numbering.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-1313.6. Penalty assessment in addition to penalties for offenses punishable pursuant to Sections 11-901 and 11-902 of Title 47.

A. As used in this section:
1. “Convicted” means any final adjudication of guilt, whether pursuant to a plea of guilty or nolo contendere or otherwise, and any deferred or suspended sentence or judgment; and
2. “Court” means any district court having jurisdiction to impose a criminal fine or penalty.
B. In addition to any other penalty assessment imposed by law, any person convicted of any offense punishable pursuant to Section 11-901 or 11-902 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes, or any person forfeiting bond when charged with such an offense, shall be ordered by the court to pay a fee of One Hundred Fifty-five Dollars ($155.00) as a separate penalty assessment. The assessment and fee shall be in addition to and not in substitution for any and all fines and penalties otherwise provided for by law for such offense.
C. The fee shall be collected at the same time and in the same manner as the penalty assessments provided for in Sections 1313.2 and 1313.3 of this title. As an administrative fee for handling funds collected as a penalty assessment, each court clerk is authorized to retain all interest accrued thereon prior to the due date for deposits as provided in this subsection. The court clerk shall deposit the fee collected pursuant to this section in the account provided for in subsection D of Section 1313.2 of this title, and the amounts imposed by this section shall be forwarded monthly in one check or draft to the Department of Public Safety to be deposited in the Department of Public Safety Patrol Vehicle Revolving Fund.
D. The deposits required by this section shall be included in the report required by Section 1313.2 of this title and shall be listed as a separate item.
Added by Laws 2001, c. 435, § 13, eff. July 1, 2001. Amended by Laws 2004, c. 354, § 3, eff. July 1, 2004.
NOTE: Editorially renumbered from § 1313.5 of this title to avoid duplication in numbering.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-1314. Equipment - Surplus property - Microfilming and storage of records.

The Supreme Court may provide by rule for the following:
1. The joint acquisition, maintenance and operation of equipment by two or more district courts or court clerks;
2. The disposition of surplus property acquired from local court funds; and
3. The guidelines and standards for the microfilming and storage of court records.
Added by Laws 1979, c. 42, § 1, emerg. eff. April 9, 1979.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-1315. Oklahoma Court Information System - Oklahoma Court Information System Revolving Fund.

A. 1. The Supreme Court, by and through the Office of the Administrative Director of the Courts, shall establish a court information system to be designated the "Oklahoma Court Information System" for the purpose of providing data processing services to state agencies, boards, and commissions and other entities pursuant to contract. The Administrative Director of the Courts may assess a reasonable fee for such services.
2. Court clerks and judges of the district courts of this state shall utilize the case tracking, accounting, legal research, and other services of the "Oklahoma Court Information System" at the direction of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. The development and implementation of the system's accounting, auditing, and financial reporting functions shall be subject to the approval of the State Auditor and Inspector.
B. There is hereby created in the State Treasury a revolving fund for the Supreme Court to be designated the "Oklahoma Court Information System Revolving Fund". The fund shall be a continuing fund, not subject to fiscal year limitations, and shall consist of all monies received in payment of data processing services furnished pursuant to contract. The Administrative Director of the Courts, at the end of each month, shall issue a statement of charges to each entity for which data processing services were furnished. The cost for data processing services shall be recovered directly from the entity for which such services were furnished and shall not be prorated to or payable by those not receiving the services. All monies accruing to the credit of the fund are hereby appropriated and may be budgeted and expended by the Supreme Court for the acquisition, operation, maintenance, repair, and replacement of data processing equipment and software and for the operational expenses of any court which is subject to the authority of the Administrative Director of the Courts. Expenditures from the fund shall be made upon warrants issued by the State Treasurer against claims filed as prescribed by law with the Director of the Office of Management and Enterprise Services for approval and payment. Until June 30, 2018, the Office of Management and Enterprise Services shall, at the request of the Administrative Director of the Courts, transfer an amount not to exceed Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000.00) from the Oklahoma Court Information System Revolving Fund to the District Court Interagency Reimbursement Fund an amount that the Administrative Director of the Courts, with the approval of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, shall deem appropriate and necessary to perform the duties imposed upon the district courts by law.
Added by Laws 1985, c. 206, § 11, emerg. eff. July 8, 1985. Amended by Laws 1994, c. 57, § 1, eff. July 1, 1994; Laws 1999, c. 359, § 5, eff. Nov. 1, 1999; Laws 2001, c. 404, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 2001; Laws 2012, c. 304, § 84; Laws 2016, c. 361, § 1, emerg. eff. June 6, 2016; Laws 2018, c. 271, § 1, emerg. eff. May 8, 2018.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-1315.1. Management Information Services Division.

There shall be established a Management Information Services Division in the Office of the Administrative Director of the Courts which shall be responsible for the implementation and management of the Oklahoma Court Information System. The administrative head of the Division shall be the Project Manager who shall be selected by a committee composed of the State Auditor and Inspector of the State of Oklahoma, the Administrator of the Courts, and the President of the Oklahoma Court Clerks Association, subject to the approval of the Oklahoma Supreme Court.
Added by Laws 2001, c. 291, § 22, eff. July 1, 2001.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-1315.2a. Court Information System - Accounting System.

The Oklahoma Supreme Court shall implement an accounting system for the Oklahoma Court Information System with the approval of the State Auditor and Inspector. It is the intent of the Legislature that the Oklahoma Supreme Court implement changes to the Oklahoma Supreme Court Information System to enhance revenue collection by at least Nine Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($950,000.00) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2002.
Added by Laws 2002, c. 6, § 1, emerg. eff. Feb. 15, 2002.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-1315.3. Project manager for Oklahoma Court Information System.

The Supreme Court shall appoint within the Administrative Office of the Courts the position of Project Manager for the Oklahoma Court Information System. The Project Manager shall have authority over all other employees of the Management Information System Division of the Administrative Office of the Courts.
Added by Laws 2002, c. 390, § 8, emerg. eff. June 4, 2002.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-1315.4. Addition of counties to Oklahoma Court Information System networks.

For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2003, the Supreme Court shall limit the Oklahoma Court Information System network to Oklahoma, Tulsa, Garfield, Payne, Comanche, Cleveland, Canadian, and Rogers Counties. However, any county court clerk may request to be added to the Oklahoma Court Information System network during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2003, and the Supreme Court may add any requesting county to the network if it determines that the addition will not adversely impact operations in existing network counties.
Added by Laws 2002, c. 390, § 9, emerg. eff. June 4, 2002.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-1315.5. Joint development projects with computer software vendors.

The Supreme Court shall not enter into any joint development project with a vendor of computer software that requires county court clerk offices to use software that is not available to the general public, other than software that is essential for operation of the court’s case management application and related components.
Added by Laws 2002, c. 390, § 10, emerg. eff. June 4, 2002.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-1315.6. Contracts with county court clerks to reconcile funds paid on certain cases - Claims.

For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2003, the Administrative Office of the Courts may enter into contracts with county court clerks to reconcile funds paid on court cases from November 1, 1999, through November 1, 2001, where a county has not yet reconciled such funds. Such contracts shall not exceed Seventy-five Thousand Dollars ($75,000.00). Each contract shall be paid monthly as reimbursement for extraordinary services delivered by county employees to reconcile financial accounting of court cases. Claims for payment shall be submitted by court clerks on a monthly basis on forms approved by the Supreme Court.
Added by Laws 2002, c. 390, § 11, emerg. eff. June 4, 2002.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-1315.7. Monitoring of compliance with act.

A joint meeting of the House Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee on the Judiciary and the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Public Safety and Judiciary shall monitor compliance with Sections 1315.3 through 1315.7 of this title. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation shall provide such assistance to the subcommittees as may be necessary. At public meetings, the joint committee is authorized to take testimony from court clerks, the public and from the Supreme Court Technical Oversight Committee, and to make recommendations to the Supreme Court to resolve technical and policy problems that impact other elected officials and other state and federal agencies.
Added by Laws 2002, c. 390, § 12, emerg. eff. June 4, 2002. Amended by Laws 2009, c. 178, § 4.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-1316. Appointment of law student clerks for Supreme Court, Court of Civil Appeals and district courts - Grants and Donations Revolving Fund.

A. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is authorized to appoint law student clerks for the Supreme Court, Court of Civil Appeals, and the district courts. All personnel appointed under this section shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. No personnel employed under the provisions of this section shall be employed for more than one thousand (1,000) hours per year.
B. There is hereby created in the State Treasury a revolving fund for the Supreme Court, to be designated the "Grants and Donations Revolving Fund". The fund shall be a continuing fund, not subject to fiscal year limitations, and shall consist of all monies received by the Supreme Court, from gifts, grants, private donations, and federal funding for the payment of salaries and benefits for law student clerks for the Supreme Court, Court of Civil Appeals, or the district courts. All monies accruing to the credit of the fund are hereby appropriated and may be budgeted and expended by the Supreme Court for the purpose of the payment of salaries and benefits for law student clerks for the Supreme Court, Court of Civil Appeals, or the district courts. Expenditures from the fund and personnel employed under the provisions of this section shall be exempt from full-time-equivalency and budgetary limitations. Expenditures from the fund shall be made upon warrants issued by the State Treasurer against claims filed as prescribed by law with the Director of the Office of Management and Enterprise Services for approval and payment.
Added by Laws 1992, c. 335, § 28, eff. July 1, 1992. Amended by Laws 1996, c. 97, § 16, eff. Nov. 1, 1996; Laws 2012, c. 304, § 85.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-1401. Disqualification of trial judge.

A. No judge of any court shall sit in any cause or proceeding in which he may be interested, or in the result of which he may be interested, or when he is related to any party to said cause within the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity, or in which he has been of counsel for either side, or in which is called in question the validity of any judgment or proceeding in which he was of counsel or interested, or the validity of any instrument or paper prepared or signed by him as counsel or attorney, without the consent of the parties to said action entered of record.
B. No judge of any court shall sit in any contested civil cause or proceeding if he is related to any attorney of record in such cause within the third degree of consanguinity or affinity without the consent of the parties in such cause or proceeding who have entered a formal appearance of record. This disqualification shall not apply when an appearance is made by a party for the purpose of disclaiming any interest in such action or proceeding or waiving his right to appear and contest such cause or proceeding.
C. No judge of any court shall sit in the trial or hearing of any criminal cause or proceeding if he is related to any attorney of record in such cause within the third degree of consanguinity or affinity without the consent of the parties who have made an appearance in such cause or proceeding entered of record. This disqualification shall not apply to arraignments, the fixing of bail, or the acceptance of pleas.
D. "Attorney of record" as used in this section shall include not only the attorney actually appearing in such action but any other attorney who is an associate or a member of a partnership or professional corporation with such appearing attorney. However, "attorney of record" as the term relates to the Attorney General of the State of Oklahoma, agency attorneys authorized by law, district attorney offices, municipal attorney offices and public defender offices shall mean only that attorney actually appearing in the cause or proceeding.
E. The disqualifications provided for in this section shall not exclude the disqualifications at common law.
R.L. 1910, § 5812. Renumbered from Title 22, § 571 by Laws 1969, c. 119, § 1, emerg. eff. April 3, 1969. Amended by Laws 1970, c. 295, § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1971; Laws 1984, c. 184, § 1, emerg. eff. May 14, 1984; Laws 1989, c.371, § 12, operative July 1, 1989.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-1402. Recusal or disqualification of appellate judges – Appointment by Governor.

A. No Justice of the Supreme Court of this state or Judge of the Criminal Court of Appeals shall participate in the decision of any appellate cause in which the Justice or Judge presided at the trial of such cause.
B. When a Justice of the Supreme Court is recused or disqualified from deciding a cause for any reason, the remainder of the Court shall decide the cause. If, during the decision of any cause, there are less than seven (7) qualified Justices, the Clerk of the Court shall certify all such recusals or disqualifications to the Governor who shall assign a retired Supreme Court Justice to the matter in substitution of the recused or disqualified Justices. If no retired Supreme Court Justice is able to serve, the Governor shall assign a member of the Bar of this state who possesses the same qualifications as the members of the Supreme Court to the matter in substitution of the recused or disqualified Justice.
C. When a Judge of the Court of Criminal Appeals is recused or disqualified from deciding a cause for any reason, the Clerk of the Court shall certify the recusal or disqualification along with the case number to the Governor who shall assign a retired Judge of the Court of Criminal Appeals to the matter in substitution of the recused or disqualified Judge. If no retired Judge of the Court of Criminal Appeals is able to serve, the Governor shall assign a Judge of the Court of Civil Appeals to the matter in substitution of the recused or disqualified Judge. If no Judge of the Court of Civil Appeals is able to serve, the Governor shall assign a member of the Bar of this state who possesses the same qualifications as the members of the Court of Criminal Appeals to the matter in substitution of the recused or disqualified Judge.
R.L. 1910, § 5815. Renumbered from § 574 of Title 22 by Laws 1969, c. 119, § 1, emerg. eff. April 3, 1969. Amended by Laws 2022, c. 201, § 1.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-1403. Disqualification of judge, claim of - Mandamus.

Any party to any cause pending in a court of record may in term time or in vacation file a written application with the clerk of the court, setting forth the grounds or facts upon which the claim is made that the judge is disqualified, and request said judge so to certify, after reasonable notice to the other side, same to be presented to such judge, and upon his failure so to do within three (3) days before said cause is set for trial, application may be made to the proper tribunal for mandamus requiring him so to do.
R.L. 1910, § 5816. Renumbered from Title 22, § 575 by Laws 1969, c. 119, § 1, emerg. eff. April 3, 1969.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-1404. Additional grounds for removal of judicial officer.

A. As used in this section, the term "judicial officer" includes the judges of all courts created by the state or municipalities of the state.
B. In addition to the causes specified in Article VII-A, Section 1 of the Oklahoma Constitution, the acts and omissions enumerated below shall constitute grounds for the removal by the Court on the Judiciary of a judicial officer from his office, with or without disqualification to hold a judicial office in the future:
1. The acceptance of a fee, or gratuity, other than that specifically provided by law, for performing any act in a judicial officer's capacity as a judge.
2. Continued willful failure of a judicial officer to comply with rules and directives of the Supreme Court, the presiding judge of his administrative district, or the chief judge of the judicial district.
3. Participation by a judicial officer, while serving as such officer or while a candidate for judicial office, in any partisan political activity. But the term "partisan political activity," as used herein, shall not include the attendance by a judicial officer or by a candidate for a judicial office at a political gathering, upon payment of a nominal admission fee, for the sole purpose of campaigning in his own behalf for a judicial office.
4. Participation by a judicial officer, while serving as such officer or while a candidate for a judicial office, in any election campaign other than that for his own election to a judicial office.
5. A judicial officer becoming a candidate for any nonjudicial office or for another judicial office whose term is to commence before the expiration of his present term of office; provided that no judge holding a nonelective judgeship shall become a candidate in a race in which the incumbent seeks to retain an elective judicial office unless he first resign his appointive judgeship.
6. A judicial officer, while serving as such officer or while a candidate for a judicial office, making publicly known in his campaign material or speeches, or knowingly permitting others to make publicly known, either directly or by implication, his political party affiliation.
C. Violation by a judicial officer of the Code of Judicial Conduct as adopted by the Supreme Court of Oklahoma on July 15, 1974, or as may be thereafter amended, may constitute grounds for the removal by the court on the judiciary of a judicial officer from office, with or without disqualification to hold a judicial office in the future.
Added by Laws 1969, c. 256, § 1, emerg. eff. April 24, 1969. Amended by Laws 1971, c. 86, § 1, emerg. eff. April 16, 1971; Laws 1973, c. 34, § 1, emerg. eff. April 24, 1973; Laws 1974, c. 296, § 1, emerg. eff. May 29, 1974; Laws 1997, c. 239, § 8, eff. July 1, 1997.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-1404.1. Candidate for judicial office - Standards of conduct - Removal - Disqualification.

A person who is not a judicial officer but is a candidate for a judicial office shall comply with the standards enumerated below, and any violation of these standards shall constitute grounds for the removal by the Court on the Judiciary of a person who is not a judicial officer elected to a judicial office with or without disqualification to hold a judicial office in the future.
1. Participation, while a candidate for judicial office, in any partisan political activity. The term "partisan political activity" as used in this paragraph shall not include attendance by a candidate for a judicial office at a political gathering, upon payment of a nominal admission fee, for the sole purpose of campaigning in his own behalf for a judicial office.
2. Participation, while a candidate for a judicial office, in any election campaign other than that for his own election to a judicial office.
3. While a candidate for a judicial office, making publicly known in his campaign material or speeches, or knowingly permitting others to make publicly known, either directly or by implication, his political party affiliation.
Added by Laws 1979, c. 29, § 1.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-1405. Justices of Supreme Court and Judges of Court of Criminal Appeals and Court of Appeals - Reimbursement of expenses for attending judicial conferences.

Justices of the Supreme Court and Judges of the Court of Criminal Appeals and the Court of Appeals are entitled to reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses incurred in attending judicial conferences which they are ordered to attend by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court as provided by the State Travel Reimbursement Act. They shall certify their expenses to the Chief Justice, and, upon the latter's approval thereof, the State Treasurer shall issue a reimbursing warrant, to be paid out of any funds appropriated for such purpose.
Added by Laws 1969, c. 319, § 2, emerg. eff. May 7, 1969. Amended by Laws 1970, c. 202, § 2, emerg. eff. April 14, 1970; Laws 1979, c. 47, § 10, emerg. eff. April 9, 1979.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-1501. State Board of Examiners of Certified Shorthand Reporters.

There is hereby re-created, to continue until July 1, 2026, in accordance with the provisions of the Oklahoma Sunset Law, Section 3901 of Title 74 of the Oklahoma Statutes, the State Board of Examiners of Certified Shorthand Reporters which shall consist of five (5) members, all of whom shall be certified shorthand reporters. The members shall be persons who have been, for at least five (5) years prior to their appointment to the Board, residents of this state and certified shorthand reporters. All members shall be appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and shall serve in staggered terms, each for a period of five (5) years except for the initial appointees. No member may serve more than one term in succession. The Board shall elect from its membership a chair and a secretary. Three members shall constitute a quorum. The Board may adopt a seal for its official use. All actions of the Board shall be supervised by the Supreme Court and be subject to approval by the Court.
Added by Laws 1970, c. 257, § 1, operative April 13, 1970. Amended by Laws 1978, c. 228, § 4, eff. July 1, 1978; Laws 1984, c. 105, § 1, emerg. eff. April 9, 1984; Laws 1992, c. 1, § 2, emerg. eff. March 10, 1992; Laws 1992, c. 128, § 1, emerg. eff. April 27, 1992; Laws 1994, c. 130, § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1996; Laws 1996, c. 53, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1996; Laws 2002, c. 176, § 1; Laws 2008, c. 15, § 1; Laws 2012, c. 56, § 1; Laws 2016, c. 15, § 1, emerg. eff. April 7, 2016; Laws 2020, c. 116, § 15, eff. July 1, 2020; Laws 2023, c. 61, § 1.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-1502. Duties of Board.

A. The State Board of Examiners of Certified Shorthand Reporters shall:
1. Conduct preliminary investigations to determine the qualifications of applicants seeking to attain the status of certified shorthand reporters;
2. Conduct at least once a year, at a place and time to be published by ample notice as directed by the Supreme Court, an examination of those persons who seek to attain the status of certified shorthand reporter. The Board may also give examinations for a certificate of proficiency and for a certificate of merit;
3. Recommend to the Supreme Court for official enrollment as certified shorthand reporters those persons who, on their examination, have established the requisite proficiency as set forth in Section 1503 of this title;
4. Conduct proceedings, on reasonable notice, the object of which is to recommend to the Supreme Court the suspension, cancellation, revocation or reinstatement of the enrollment of a certified or licensed shorthand reporter or of the status of any acting shorthand reporter, regular or temporary, on the following grounds:
a.
a final conviction of a criminal offense which indicates a clear and rational likelihood that the reporter will not properly discharge the responsibilities of persons licensed under this act or Section 106.3B of this title,
b.
misrepresentation in obtaining licensure,
c.
any violation of or noncompliance with any rule or directive of the Supreme Court,
d.
fraud, gross incompetence, or gross or habitual neglect of duty,
e.
engaging in the practice of shorthand reporting using a method for which the reporter is not certified,
f.
engaging in the practice of shorthand reporting while certification is suspended,
g.
nonpayment of renewal dues,
h.
failure to annually complete at least four (4) hours of continuing education approved by the State Board of Examiners of Certified Shorthand Reporters, or
i.
a violation of Section 1 of this act;
5. Adopt, with the approval of the Supreme Court, examination standards and rules governing enrollment, discipline, suspension, cancellation and revocation proceedings and any other matter within the Board's cognizance; and
6. Keep a current roll of certified shorthand reporters and a file on all disciplined certified shorthand reporters, official or unofficial, regular or temporary.
B. In all hearings or investigations on revocation, cancellation or suspension of enrollment, each Board member shall be empowered to administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena witnesses, and take evidence anywhere in the state, after giving reasonable notice to the party whose status is sought to be affected.
Added by Laws 1970, c. 257, § 2, operative April 13, 1970. Amended by Laws 1978, c. 228, § 5, eff. July 1, 1978; Laws 1980, c. 290, § 2, eff. Oct. 1, 1980; Laws 1994, c. 130, § 2, eff. Jan. 1, 1996; Laws 1998, c. 311, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 1998; Laws 1999, c. 237, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1999; Laws 2001, c. 80, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2001.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-1503. Examination for certification – Types of certification.

A. Every applicant who seeks to be examined for enrollment as a certified shorthand reporter shall prove to the satisfaction of the State Board of Examiners of Certified Shorthand Reporters that he or she:
1. Is of legal age;
2. Meets the requisite standards of ethical fitness; and
3. Has at least a high school education or its equivalent.
B. The examination for certification in one or more authorized methods of shorthand reporting consists of two parts, designated Part 1 and Part 2 as follows:
1. Part 1 consists of the test as authorized by the Supreme Court consisting of the following requirements: demonstrated proficiency in reporting testimony and proceedings at a speed of not more than two hundred (200) words per minute in taking a question-and-answer type dictation and at a speed of not more than one hundred eighty (180) words per minute in taking literary materials which shall be designed to test the ability of an applicant to accurately prepare a transcript of testimony and proceedings that is reasonably free from spelling errors. The Board may not increase or decrease such minimum speed requirement, by rule or otherwise; and
2. Part 2 is the Oklahoma Written Knowledge test which consists of not less than twenty-five multiple choice questions relating to Oklahoma law and court rules, duties of certified shorthand reporters, and general court procedure. The examination shall be approved by the Supreme Court. A person who has tested with the Board and successfully completed the written knowledge portion of the examination shall be allowed to retain the credit for that portion for two (2) years from the date passed, and shall not be required to retake that portion during the two-year period.
C. An applicant who is academically dishonest when taking any authorized examination is disqualified and may not take the examination again until two (2) years have elapsed from the date of the examination at which the applicant was disqualified.
D. A certification issued under this section must be for one or more of the following methods of shorthand reporting:
1. Written shorthand;
2. Machine shorthand; or
3. Any other method of shorthand reporting authorized by the Supreme Court.
E. No person may engage in shorthand reporting in this state unless the person is a licensed or certified shorthand reporter or otherwise authorized by law or the Supreme Court.
Added by Laws 1970, c. 257, § 3, operative April 13, 1970. Amended by Laws 1978, c. 228, § 6, eff. July 1, 1978; Laws 1992, c. 1, § 3, emerg. eff. March 10, 1992; Laws 1994, c. 130, § 3, eff. Jan. 1, 1996; Laws 1995, c. 338, § 18, eff. Jan. 1, 1996; Laws 2003, c. 183, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2003; Laws 2005, c. 66, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2005; Laws 2010, c. 122, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2010; Laws 2021, c. 31, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2021.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-1503.1. Continuing education.

A. Every certified shorthand reporter and every court reporter temporarily employed by the district court, Workers' Compensation Commission, Workers' Compensation Court of Existing Claims, or Corporation Commission shall annually complete at least four (4) hours of continuing education approved by the State Board of Examiners of Certified Shorthand Reporters.
B. A certified shorthand reporter or court reporter is exempt from the requirements of subsection A of this section if the reporter verifies under oath to the State Board of Examiners of Certified Shorthand Reporters that he or she:
1. Has attained the age of sixty-five (65) before or during the calendar year for which the reporter seeks an exemption;
2. Is a member of the Armed Forces on full-time active duty during the entire calendar year for which the reporter seeks an exemption; or
3. Has provided written verification by a licensed physician that a medical condition has prevented the court reporter from working in such capacity and completing continuing education for the calendar year for which the reporter seeks an exemption.
Added by Laws 1998, c. 311, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 1998. Amended by Laws 1999, c. 237, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 1999; Laws 2003, c. 183, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 2003; Laws 2004, c. 293, § 4, eff. Nov. 1, 2004; Laws 2022, c. 110, § 2.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-1505. Licenses from other states – National certification.

A person holding a license from another state which is deemed by the State Board of Examiners of Certified Shorthand Reporters to be equivalent to that of an Oklahoma certified shorthand reporter, or holding current national certification as a shorthand reporter, or holding both an equivalent license from another state and national certification, may be enrolled without examination as an Oklahoma certified shorthand reporter upon satisfying the Board that the credentials of the applicant are in proper order.
Added by Laws 1970, c. 257, § 5, operative April 13, 1970. Amended by Laws 2005, c. 66, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 2005; Laws 2010, c. 122, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2010.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-1506. Fees.

The State Board of Examiners of Certified Shorthand Reporters shall annually set and publish a fee schedule with approval of the Supreme Court.
Added by Laws 1970, c. 257, § 6, operative April 13, 1970. Amended by Laws 1978, c. 228, § 7, eff. July 1, 1978; Laws 1980, c. 290, § 3, eff. Oct. 1, 1980; Laws 1989, c. 204, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 1989; Laws 1992, c. 1, § 4, emerg. eff. March 10, 1992; Laws 1994, c. 130, § 4, eff. Jan. 1, 1996.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-1507. Deposit of fees - Withdrawals.

All fees authorized to be charged shall be paid to the Clerk of the Supreme Court who shall deposit them in the Supreme Court Revolving Fund. The Chief Justice shall be authorized to draw against the Supreme Court Revolving Fund such amounts as are lawfully claimed by the Board for its necessary supplies and expenses. When performing essential duties each Board member shall be entitled to his or her actual expenses and shall receive, in addition thereto, the sum of Fifty Dollars ($50.00) for each full day of service or a fraction thereof for less than a day's service.
Added by Laws 1970, c. 257, § 7, operative April 13, 1970. Amended by Laws 1989, c. 204, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 1989; Laws 1994, c. 225, § 11, eff. July 1, 1994; Laws 2004, c. 443, § 8, eff. July 1, 2004; Laws 2019, c. 354, § 6, eff. July 1, 2019.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-1508. Metal seals - Use of abbreviations - Powers of certified reporters.

Every person enrolled as a certified shorthand reporter shall be entitled to use the abbreviation C.S.R. after his name and shall receive from the Board, without additional charge, a metal seal with his name and the words "Oklahoma Certified Shorthand Reporter". Every person enrolled as a licensed shorthand reporter shall be entitled to use the abbreviation L.S.R. after his name and shall receive from the Board, without additional charge, a metal seal with his name and the words "Oklahoma Licensed Shorthand Reporter". Court reporters holding a temporary certificate shall not be allowed the use of a seal. The determination of the format and construction of the seal shall rest with the Supreme Court of the State of Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Supreme Court shall determine the procedures to be used in the distribution of all shorthand reporter seals. Certified shorthand reporters shall be authorized to issue affidavits in respect to their regular duties, to subpoena witnesses for depositions, administer oaths and affirmations with authority equal to that of a notary public, and to take depositions or other sworn statements. Licensed shorthand reporters shall have the same authority while employed as official court reporters.
Added by Laws 1970, c. 257, § 8, operative April 13, 1970. Amended by Laws 1989, c. 204, § 4, eff. Nov. 1, 1989; Laws 1992, c. 1, § 5, emerg. eff. March 10, 1992.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-1512. Videotape transcripts.

The Supreme Court is authorized to establish a pilot project for use of videotape equipment in courtrooms for production of videotape records for transcripts where court reporters are not available, if the Supreme Court has funds available that can be used for this purpose. The Administrative Office of the Courts shall promulgate rules for the use of video equipment in courtrooms. Rules for use of video equipment in courtrooms must have the approval of the Supreme Court.
Added by Laws 1997, c. 239, § 7, eff. July 1, 1997.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-1513. Prohibited acts - Penalties.

A. A court reporter or owner of a court reporting firm shall not:
1. Enter into any contract or relationship that compromises the impartiality of court reporters or that may result in the appearance that the impartiality of a court reporter has been compromised;
2. Enter into a blanket contract, other than with a court or governmental agency, under which the court reporter or owner of a court reporting firm agrees to perform all court reporting services in two or more cases at a rate of compensation fixed in the contract;
3. Enter into a contract that requires a court reporter to provide any service that is not available to all parties to an action; or
4. Enter into a contract that gives or appears to give an exclusive advantage to any party to an action.
B. A violation of this section shall be grounds for the State Board of Examiners of Certified Shorthand Reporters to refuse to renew the enrollment of a certified or licensed court reporter. A willful violation of this section shall be grounds for the Board to suspend, cancel, or revoke the enrollment of a certified or licensed court reporter.
Added by Laws 2001, c. 80, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2001.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-1601. Short title.

Short Title. This act may be cited as the Revised Uniform Certification of Questions of Law Act.
Added by Laws 1973, c. 22, § 1, operative July 1, 1973. Amended by Laws 1997, c. 61, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1997.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-1601.1. Definitions.

Definitions. As used in this act:
1. "State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States; and
2. "Tribe" means a tribe, band, or village of native Americans which is recognized by federal law or formally acknowledged by a state.
Added by Laws 1997, c. 61, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 1997.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-1601.2. Power to certify.

Power to Certify. The Supreme Court or the Court of Criminal Appeals of this state, on the motion of a party to pending litigation or on its own motion, may certify a question of law to the highest court of another state, or of a federally recognized Indian tribal government, or of Canada, a Canadian province or territory, Mexico, or a Mexican state if:
1. The pending litigation involves a question to be decided under the law of the other jurisdiction;
2. The answer to the question may be determinative of an issue in the pending litigation; and
3. The question is one for which an answer is not provided by a controlling appellate decision, constitutional provision, or statute of the other jurisdiction.
Added by Laws 1973, c. 22, § 9, operative July 1, 1973. Amended by Laws 1991, c. 28, § 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1991; Laws 1997, c. 61, § 10, eff. Nov. 1, 1997. Renumbered from § 1609 of this title by Laws 1997, c. 61, § 14, eff. Nov. 1, 1997.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-1602. Power to answer.

Power to Answer. The Supreme Court and the Court of Criminal Appeals may answer a question of law certified to it by a court of the United States, or by an appellate court of another state, or of a federally recognized Indian tribal government, or of Canada, a Canadian province or territory, Mexico, or a Mexican state, if the answer may be determinative of an issue in pending litigation in the certifying court and there is no controlling decision of the Supreme Court or Court of Criminal Appeals, constitutional provision, or statute of this state.
Added by Laws 1973, c. 22, § 2, operative July 1, 1973. Amended by Laws 1991, c. 28, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1991; Laws 1997, c. 61, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 1997.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-1603.1. Certification order - Record.

Certification Order - Record. The court certifying a question of law to the Supreme Court or Court of Criminal Appeals of this state shall issue a certification order and forward it to the Supreme Court or Court of Criminal Appeals of this state. Before responding to a certified question, the Supreme Court or Court of Criminal Appeals of this state may require the certifying court to deliver all or part of its record to the Supreme Court or Court of Criminal Appeals of this state.
Added by Laws 1997, c. 61, § 5, eff. Nov. 1, 1997.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-1604. Contents of certification order.

Contents of Certification Order. A. A certification order must contain:
1. The question of law to be answered;
2. The facts relevant to the question, showing fully the nature of the controversy out of which the question arose;
3. A statement acknowledging that the Supreme Court or Court of Criminal Appeals of this state, acting as the receiving court, may reformulate the question; and
4. The names and addresses of counsel of record and parties appearing without counsel.
B. If the parties cannot agree upon a statement of facts, the certifying court must determine the relevant facts and state them as a part of its certification order.
Added by Laws 1973, c. 22, § 4, operative July 1, 1973. Amended by Laws 1997, c. 61, § 6, eff. Nov. 1, 1997.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-1604.1. Notice - Response.

Notice - Response. The Supreme Court or Court of Criminal Appeals of this state, acting as a receiving court, shall notify the certifying court of acceptance or rejection of the question and, in accordance with notions of comity and fairness, respond to an accepted certified question as soon as practicable.
Added by Laws 1997, c. 61, § 7, eff. Nov. 1, 1997.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-1604.2. Procedures.

Procedures. After the Supreme Court or Court of Criminal Appeals of this state has accepted a certified question, proceedings shall be governed by the rules of the court. The procedures for certification from this state to a receiving court are those provided in the rules and statutes of the receiving forum.
Added by Laws 1973, c. 22, § 10, operative July 1, 1973. Amended by Laws 1997, c. 61, § 11, eff. Nov. 1, 1997. Renumbered from § 1610 of this title by Laws 1997, c. 61, § 15, eff. Nov. 1, 1997.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 20. Courts › §20-1604.3. Opinion.

Opinion. The Supreme Court or Court of Criminal Appeals of this state shall state in a written opinion the law answering the certified question and shall send a copy of the opinion to the certifying court, counsel of record, and parties appearing without counsel.
Added by Laws 1973, c. 22, § 8, operative July 1, 1973. Amended by Laws 1997, c. 61, § 9, eff. Nov. 1, 1997. Renumbered from § 1608 of this title by Laws 1997, c. 61, § 13, eff. Nov. 1, 1997.