reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 51. Officers › §51-124. Contributions by state employees.

(a) Every employee of the state whose services are covered by an agreement entered into under Section 123 shall be required to pay for the period of such coverage, into the Contribution Fund established by Section 126, contributions, with respect to wages (as defined in Section 122 of this title), equal to the amount of the employee tax which would be imposed by the Federal Insurance Contributions Act if such services constituted employment within the meaning of that Act. Such liability shall arise in consideration of the employee's retention in the service, or his entry upon such service, after the enactment of this act.
(b) The contribution imposed by this section shall be collected by the state by deducting the amount of the contribution from wages as and when paid, but failure to make such deduction shall not relieve the employee from liability for such contribution.
(c) If more or less than the correct amount of the contribution imposed by this section is paid or deducted with respect to any remuneration, proper adjustments or refund if adjustment is impracticable shall be made, without interest, in such manner and at such times as the state agency shall prescribe.
Added by Laws 1949, p. 377, § 4, emerg. eff. June 1, 1949. Amended by Laws 1955, p. 279, § 4, emerg. eff. June 6, 1955.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 51. Officers › §51-127. Administrative appropriation.

For the purpose of administering the provisions of this act there is hereby appropriated from any surplus accruing to the credit of the Emergency Appropriation Fund for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1949, the sum of ____ to be expended by the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission to carry out the purposes of this act. The funds herein appropriated shall not be subject to fiscal year limitations and may be contracted or expended at any time within thirty (30) months from passage of this act. The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission may create positions, employ necessary personnel and fix the salary of officials and employees required to administer this act.
Added by Laws 1949, p. 379, § 7, emerg. eff. June 1, 1949.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 51. Officers › §51-129. Studies and reports.

The state agency shall make studies concerning the problem of old-age and survivors insurance protection for employees of the state and local governments and their instrumentalities and concerning the operation of agreements made and plans approved under this act and shall submit a report to the legislature at the beginning of each regular session, covering the administration and operation of this act during the preceding calendar year, including such recommendations for amendments to this act as it considers proper.
Added by Laws 1949, p. 380, § 9, emerg. eff. June 1, 1949.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 51. Officers › §51-131. Referenda and certification.

(a) With respect to employees of the state in positions covered by a retirement system established by the state, the Governor is empowered to authorize a referendum upon the question of whether service in positions covered by such retirement system should be excluded from or included under an agreement, or modification thereof, under Section 123 of this title; and, with respect to employees of any political subdivision or instrumentality in positions covered by a retirement system established by the state or by such subdivision or instrumentality, the Governor, upon written request of the governing body of such subdivision or instrumentality, shall authorize a referendum upon the question of whether positions covered by such retirement system should be excluded from or included under a plan submitted by such subdivision or instrumentality under Section 125 of this title. In either case the referendum shall be conducted, and the Governor shall designate an agency or individual to supervise its conduct, in accordance with the requirement of Section 218(d) (3) of the Federal Social Security Act; and the notice of referendum required by said Section 218(d) (3) of the Federal Social Security Act shall contain, or shall be accompanied by, a statement in such form and in such detail as the agency or individual designated by the Governor to conduct such referendum shall deem necessary to inform the eligible employees of the rights which will accrue to them and their dependents and survivors, and the liabilities to which they will be subject, in event their services are included under such an agreement or plan.
(b) Upon receiving evidence satisfactory to him that, with respect to any such referendum, the conditions specified in Section 218(d) (3) of the Federal Social Security Act have been met, the Governor shall so certify to the appropriate federal agency.
(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed as allowing or providing for coverage of services in a policeman's or fireman's position, unless and until the Federal Social Security Act be amended to allow coverage of services in such a position.
Added by Laws 1955, p. 282, § 7, emerg. eff. June 6, 1955.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 51. Officers › §51-132. Withholding by board of education - Determination of coverage.

Upon request of any employee, the board of education of the school district by which he is employed may withhold two percent (2%) of the employee's wages paid after December 31, 1954, and, in the event that any such amounts are so withheld from an employee's wages, the board of education shall also set aside an equal amount from school district enrichment funds. All amounts withheld from employees' salaries or set aside from funds of a school district, as provided above, shall be held in a special account by the board of education of such district until it has been determined that the employees of such school district will or will not be covered by the Federal Social Security Program.
If it is determined that the employees of the school district will be covered by the Federal Social Security Program, the board of education of the school district shall forthwith pay, from funds withheld or set aside as hereinbefore provided, to the state agency designated to receive social security contributions of political subdivisions, an amount equal to four percent (4%) of the wages of such employees.
If it is determined that the employees of a school district will not be covered by the Federal Social Security Program, or if no determination has been made by December 31, 1957, all amounts withheld from employees' salaries shall forthwith be returned to the employees from whom they are withheld, and the amounts set aside from school district funds shall forthwith be replaced in the General Fund of the school district and made available for financing the appropriations of the district, but shall not be considered as income chargeable to the support of the minimum program of the school district.
Added by Laws 1955, p. 282, § 8, emerg. eff. June 6, 1955.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 51. Officers › §51-152.1. Sovereign immunity.

A. The State of Oklahoma does hereby adopt the doctrine of sovereign immunity. The state, its political subdivisions, and all of their employees acting within the scope of their employment, whether performing governmental or proprietary functions, shall be immune from liability for torts.
B. The state, only to the extent and in the manner provided in this act, waives its immunity and that of its political subdivisions. In so waiving immunity, it is not the intent of the state to waive any rights under the Eleventh Amendment to the United States Constitution.
Added by Laws 1984, c. 226, § 3, eff. Oct. 1, 1985.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 51. Officers › §51-152.2. Agreements with charitable health care providers - Care for medically indigent persons - Rules - Claims not to affect insurance rates.

A. 1. The State Department of Health, or a city-county health department, may enter into agreements with charitable health care providers in which the provider stipulates to the State Department of Health, or a city-county health department, that when the provider renders professional services to a medically indigent person in a free clinic as provided in Section 32 of Title 76 of the Oklahoma Statutes, or when a patient is referred from a free clinic to another charitable health care provider for medical services, such services will be provided gratuitously;
2. The State Department of Health shall adopt rules which specify the conditions for termination of any such agreement, and the rules shall be made a part of the agreement. A city-county health department shall utilize the same rules as adopted by the State Department of Health for administration of the provisions of this section; and
3. A charitable health care provider, for purposes of any claim for damages arising as a result of rendering professional services to a medically indigent person, which professional services were rendered gratuitously in a free clinic as provided in Section 32 of Title 76 of the Oklahoma Statutes, or when a patient is referred from a free clinic to another charitable health care provider for medical services, at a time when an agreement entered into by the charitable health care provider with the State Department of Health, or a city-county health department, pursuant to this section was in effect, shall be considered an employee of the state under The Governmental Tort Claims Act.
B. The State Department of Health shall adopt rules on eligibility criteria for determining whether a person qualifies as a medically indigent person. A city-county health department shall utilize the same rules as adopted by the State Department of Health for administration of the provisions of this section.
C. Any claim arising from the rendering of or failure to render professional services by a charitable health care provider brought pursuant to The Governmental Tort Claims Act shall not be considered by an insurance company in determining the rate charged for any professional liability insurance policy for health care providers nor whether to cancel any such policy.
Added by Laws 2007, c. 139, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2007.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 51. Officers › §51-152.3. Agreements with community health care providers - Rendition of professional services without compensation - Rules - Status of provider as employee of state - Professional liability insurance of providers.

A. 1. The State Department of Health may enter into agreements with community health care providers in which the provider stipulates to the State Department of Health that when the provider renders professional services, such services will be provided without compensation to the community health care provider, although the facility may assess a sliding-scale co-pay fee.
2. The State Department of Health shall adopt rules which specify the conditions for termination of any such agreement, and the rules shall be made a part of the agreement.
3. A community health care provider, for purposes of any claim for damages arising as a result of rendering professional services to a person, which professional services were rendered without compensation or expectation of payment to the community health care provider, at a time when an agreement entered into by the community health care provider with the State Department of Health, pursuant to this section, was in effect, shall be considered an employee of the state under The Governmental Tort Claims Act.
B. The State Board of Health may promulgate rules to implement the provisions of this section; provided that, health center sliding-fee scales shall be in accordance with federal law.
C. Any claim arising from the rendering of or failure to render professional services by a community health care provider brought pursuant to The Governmental Tort Claims Act shall not be considered by an insurance company in determining the rate charged for any professional liability insurance policy for health care providers nor whether to cancel any such policy.
Added by Laws 2009, c. 315, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2009.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 51. Officers › §51-153. Liability - Scope - Exemptions - Exclusivity.

A. The state or a political subdivision shall be liable for loss resulting from its torts or the torts of its employees acting within the scope of their employment subject to the limitations and exceptions specified in The Governmental Tort Claims Act and only where the state or political subdivision, if a private person or entity, would be liable for money damages under the laws of this state. The state or a political subdivision shall not be liable under the provisions of The Governmental Tort Claims Act for any act or omission of an employee acting outside the scope of the employee's employment.
B. The liability of the state or political subdivision under The Governmental Tort Claims Act shall be exclusive and shall constitute the extent of tort liability of the state, a political subdivision or employee arising from common law, statute, the Oklahoma Constitution, or otherwise. If a court of competent jurisdiction finds tort liability on the part of the state or a political subdivision of the state based on a provision of the Oklahoma Constitution or state law other than The Governmental Tort Claims Act, the limits of liability provided for in The Governmental Tort Claims Act shall apply.
C. If an action is commenced alleging tort liability on the part of the state or a political subdivision of the state or an employee of the state or of a political subdivision of the state based on a provision of the Oklahoma Constitution or state law other than The Governmental Tort Claims Act, the action shall name as defendant the state or political subdivision against which liability is sought to be established. In no instance in any such action shall an employee of the state or of a political subdivision of the state acting within the scope of employment be named as defendant; provided, however, such person may be named as defendant under alternative allegations that such person did not act within the scope of employment.
Added by Laws 1978, c. 203, § 3, eff. July 1, 1978. Amended by Laws 1984, c. 226, § 4, eff. Oct. 1, 1985; Laws 2014, c. 77, § 2, emerg. eff. April 21, 2014; Laws 2015, c. 308, § 1, emerg. eff. May 12, 2015.
NOTE: Laws 1984, c. 228, § 2 repealed by Laws 1985, c. 357, § 5, operative Oct. 1, 1985.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 51. Officers › §51-153.1. Housing of federal inmates from another state - Private prison facilities - Public trusts - Action or recovery barred.

Nothing in the Governmental Tort Claims Act shall be construed as allowing an action or recovery against this state, against any city, town or county that is the sole beneficiary of a public trust, or against any employee of this state or any city, town or county of this state due to the housing of federal inmates or inmates from another state in facilities owned or operated by private prison contractors. If a public trust that has as its sole beneficiary a city, town or county has a facility that houses federal inmates or inmates from another state, the immunity provided for in the Governmental Tort Claims Act shall not apply to that trust.
Added by Laws 1991, c. 307, § 4, emerg. eff. June 4, 1991.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 51. Officers › §51-155.1. Claims relating to roads, streets or highways - Limitation.

Nothing contained in this act shall be construed as allowing an action or recovery against the state or any of its officers or employees on a claim or cause of action founded upon any loss occurring from a defect or dangerous condition on any road, street or highway which was in existence, whether known or unknown:
1. On October 1, 1985; or
2. When an existing facility became or becomes a part of the state highway system; or
3. When an existing facility became or becomes the maintenance responsibility of the state, to the extent of that responsibility as required by law.
To the extent that the state is required by law to maintain a road, street, or highway within the territorial limits of a political subdivision, the political subdivision shall not be liable for any loss occurring from a defect or dangerous condition in the area required to be maintained by the state.
Added by Laws 1984, c. 226, § 7, eff. Oct. 1, 1985. Amended by Laws 1988, c. 241, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 1988; Laws 1994, c. 28, § 1, emerg. eff. April 11, 1994.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 51. Officers › §51-157. Denial of claim - Notice.

A. A person may not initiate a suit against the state or a political subdivision unless the claim has been denied in whole or in part. A claim is deemed denied if the state or political subdivision fails to approve the claim in its entirety within ninety (90) days, unless the state or political subdivision has denied the claim or reached a settlement with the claimant before the expiration of that period. If the state or a political subdivision approves or denies the claim in ninety (90) days or less, the state or political subdivision shall give notice within five (5) days of such action to the claimant at the address listed in the claim. If the state or political subdivision fails to give the notice required by this subsection, the period for commencement of an action in subsection B of this section shall not begin until the expiration of the ninety-day period for approval. The claimant and the state or political subdivision may continue attempts to settle a claim, however, settlement negotiations do not extend the date of denial unless agreed to in writing by the claimant and the state or political subdivision.
B. No action for any cause arising under this act, Section 151 et seq. of this title, shall be maintained unless valid notice has been given and the action is commenced within one hundred eighty (180) days after denial of the claim as set forth in this section. The claimant and the state or political subdivision may agree in writing to extend the time to commence an action for the purpose of continuing to attempt settlement of the claim except no such extension shall be for longer than two (2) years from the date of the loss.
Added by Laws 1978, c. 203, § 7, eff. July 1, 1978. Amended by Laws 1984, c. 226, § 9, eff. Oct. 1, 1985; Laws 1988, c. 241, § 5, eff. Nov. 1, 1988; Laws 1989, c. 25, § 1, emerg. eff. March 30, 1989; Laws 1994, c. 374, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1994; Laws 1995, c. 121, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1995.
NOTE: Laws 1984, c. 228, § 5 repealed by Laws 1985, c. 357, § 5, operative Oct. 1, 1985.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 51. Officers › §51-159. Enforcement of judgments.

A. Judgments recovered against the state or political subdivisions under the provisions of this act shall be enforced in the same manner and to the same extent as judgments are now enforced against the state or political subdivisions under the law except as herein provided.
B. If the judgment is obtained against the state or a political subdivision that has procured a contract or policy of liability or indemnity insurance protection, the holder of the judgment may use the methods of collecting the judgment which are provided by the policy or contract or law to the extent of the limits of coverage provided.
C. For the payment of any judgment obtained under the provisions of this act against a political subdivision that is a self-insurer or not fully covered by liability insurance, the manner of paying a money judgment shall be as follows. Proof of indebtedness, as required in Sections 362 through 364 of Title 62 of the Oklahoma Statutes and evidence of any estimated tax levy or increases necessary to reimburse the sinking fund for the purposes of the judgment as provided in Section 431 of Title 62 of the Oklahoma Statutes, and other evidence or statements which the court may require, shall be made to the court before final judgment is rendered. As an alternative to paying the money judgment out of the sinking fund at the rate of one-third (1/3) each year, the court, based on consideration of evidence and proof, may provide for the judgment to be paid over a period of not less than one (1) nor more than ten (10) years. The interest rate on any judgment when payment is extended more than three (3) years shall be at the rate prescribed by law for the first three (3) years and at the rate of six percent (6%) for each remaining year.
D. Money judgments against the state not payable by insurance shall be paid in the following manner. An agency whose act or omission gave rise to the judgment may, at its discretion and upon approval of the Director of the Office of Management and Enterprise Services, pay a judgment or any portion thereof from any funds available to it. Provided, however, no agency shall be required to pay a judgment prior to the fiscal year next following the fiscal year in which the judgment is obtained. Any such judgment may be paid at a rate of one-third (1/3) per fiscal year from funds available for operation of the agency.
E. Nothing in this act shall be interpreted as allowing liens on public property.
Added by Laws 1978, c. 203, § 9, eff. July 1, 1978. Amended by Laws 1984, c. 226, § 11, eff. Oct. 1, 1985; Laws 2012, c. 304, § 207.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 51. Officers › §51-160. Recovery of payments from employees.

The state or political subdivision shall have the right to recover from an employee for any claim or action under this act or any other claim or action any payments made by it for any judgment or settlement, or portion thereof, and costs or fees by or on behalf of an employee's defense if it is shown that the conduct of the employee which gave rise to the claim or action was outside the scope of his employment, or if the employee fails to cooperate in good faith in the defense of the claim or action. A judgment or settlement in an action or claim under this act shall constitute a complete bar to any action by the claimant against an employee whose conduct gave rise to the claim resulting in that judgment or settlement. Nothing in this act shall be construed to authorize the state or political subdivision to pay for any punitive or exemplary damages rendered against an employee.
Added by Laws 1978, c. 203, § 10, eff. July 1, 1978. Amended by Laws 1984, c. 226, § 12, eff. Oct. 1, 1985.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 51. Officers › §51-161.1. Duty to defend, save harmless and indemnify employees - Payment of settlements and judgments.

When the state has a duty to defend any action pursuant to the provisions of this act, it shall be the duty of the Attorney General to defend all such actions, unless an agency of the state is authorized by law to employ its own attorneys, in which case said attorneys may defend such actions against the agency or the agency may request that the Attorney General defend such actions. If such a request is made, the Attorney General shall defend any such action.
Added by Laws 1984, c. 226, § 13, eff. Oct. 1, 1985. Amended by Laws 1985, c. 357, § 1, operative Oct. 1, 1985.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 51. Officers › §51-164. Application of Oklahoma laws and statutes and rules of procedure.

The laws and statutes of the State of Oklahoma and the Rules of Civil Procedure, as promulgated and adopted by the Supreme Court of Oklahoma insofar as applicable and to the extent that such rules are not inconsistent with the provisions of this act, shall apply to and govern all actions brought under the provisions of this act.
Added by Laws 1978, c. 203, § 14, eff. July 1, 1978.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 51. Officers › §51-165. Exempt claims.

This act does not apply to any claim against any political subdivision or employee arising before the effective date of this act. Any such claim may be presented and enforced to the same extent and subject to the same procedures and restrictions as if this act had not been adopted.
Added by Laws 1978, c. 203, § 15, eff. July 1, 1978.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 51. Officers › §51-166. Governmental and proprietary functions of political subdivisions - Application of act.

The distinction existing between governmental functions and proprietary functions of political subdivisions shall not be affected by the provisions of this act; however the provisions of this act shall apply to both governmental and proprietary functions.
Added by Laws 1978, c. 203, § 16, eff. July 1, 1978.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 51. Officers › §51-167. Insurance.

A. The governing body of any municipality may:
1. Insure the municipality against all or any part of any liability it may incur for death, injury or disability of any person or for damage to property, either real or personal;
2. Insure any employee of the municipality against all or any part of his liability for injury or damage resulting from an act or omission in the scope of employment;
3. Insure against the expense of defending a claim against the municipality or its employee, whether or not liability exists on such claim; or
4. Insure the municipality or its employee against any loss, damage or liability as defined by Sections 702 through 708 of Title 36 of the Oklahoma Statutes, or other forms of insurance provided for in Title 36 of the Oklahoma Statutes.
The cost or premium of any such insurance is a proper expenditure of the municipality.
As used in this subsection, "employee" means any person who has acted in behalf of a municipality, whether that person is acting on a permanent or temporary basis with or without being compensated or on a full-time or part-time basis. Employee also includes all elected or appointed officers, members of governing bodies of a municipality, and persons appointed, and other persons designated by a municipality to act in its behalf.
B. Any insurance authorized by law to be purchased, obtained or provided by a municipality may be provided by:
1. Self-insurance, which may be, but is not required to be, funded by appropriations to establish or maintain reserves for self-insurance purposes. Any self-insurance reserve fund shall be nonfiscal and shall not be considered in computing any levy when the municipality makes its annual estimate for needed appropriations;
2. Insurance in any insurer authorized to transact insurance in this state;
3. Insurance secured in accordance with any other method provided by law; or
4. Any combination of insurance authorized by this section.
C. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, two or more municipalities or public agencies who are affiliated in an insurance program which was originated prior to January 1, 2006, by interlocal agreement made pursuant to Section 1001 et seq. of Title 74 of the Oklahoma Statutes, may provide insurance for any purpose by any one or more of the methods specified in this section. The pooling of self-insured reserves, claims or losses among governments as authorized in this act shall not be construed to be transacting insurance nor otherwise subject to the provisions of the laws of this state regulating insurance or insurance companies. Two or more municipalities may also be insured under a master policy or contract of insurance. Premium costs may be set individually for each municipality or apportioned among participating municipalities as provided by the master policy or contract.
Added by Laws 1978, c. 203, § 17, eff. July 1, 1978. Amended by Laws 2006, c. 83, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2006.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 51. Officers › §51-169. Counties - Insurance.

A. The governing body of any county may:
1. Insure the county against all or any part of any liability it may incur for death, injury or disability of any person or for damage to property, either real or personal;
2. Insure any employee of the county against all or any part of his liability for injury or damage resulting from an act or omission in the scope of employment;
3. Insure against the expense of defending a claim against the county or its employee, whether or not liability exists on such claim; or
4. Insure the county or its employee against any loss, damage or liability as defined by Sections 702 through 708 of Title 36 of the Oklahoma Statutes, or other forms of insurance provided for in Title 36 of the Oklahoma Statutes.
The cost or premium of any such insurance is a proper expenditure of the county.
As used in this subsection, "employee" means any person who has acted in behalf of a county, whether that person is acting on a permanent or temporary basis with or without being compensated or on a full-time or part-time basis. Employee also includes all elected or appointed officers, members of governing bodies of a county, and persons appointed, and other persons designated by a county to act in its behalf.
B. Any insurance authorized by law to be purchased, obtained or provided by a county may be provided by:
1. Self-insurance, which may be, but is not required to be, funded by appropriations to establish or maintain reserves for self-insurance purposes. Any self-insurance reserve fund shall be nonfiscal and shall not be considered in computing any levy when the county makes its annual estimate for needed appropriations;
2. Insurance in any insurer authorized to transact insurance in this state;
3. Insurance secured in accordance with any other method provided by law; or
4. Any combination of insurance authorized by this section.
C. Two or more counties or public agencies, by interlocal agreement made pursuant to Sections 1001 et seq. of Title 74 of the Oklahoma Statutes, may provide insurance for any purpose by any one or more of the methods specified in this section. The pooling of self-insured reserves, claims or losses among governments as authorized in this act shall not be construed to be transacting insurance nor otherwise subject to the provisions of the laws of this state regulating insurance or insurance companies. Two or more counties may also be insured under a master policy or contract of insurance. Premium costs may be set individually for each county or apportioned among participating counties as provided by the master policy or contract.
Added by Laws 1978, c. 203, § 19, eff. July 1, 1978.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 51. Officers › §51-171. Existing remedies, causes of action or claims not affected.

Nothing in this act shall abrogate or amend in any way presently existing remedies, causes of actions or claims presently existing on behalf of individuals or citizens. This act does not apply to any claim against the state or political subdivision arising before the effective date of this act.
Added by Laws 1984, c. 226, § 15, eff. Oct. 1, 1985.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 51. Officers › §51-172. Rural water supply and sewage disposal corporations - Insurance.

A. The governing body of any corporation organized not for profit for the primary purpose of developing and providing rural water supply and sewage disposal facilities to serve rural residents and districts formed pursuant to the Rural Water, Sewer, Gas and Solid Waste Management Districts Act, Section 1324.1 et seq. of Title 82 of the Oklahoma Statutes, may:
1. Insure said entity against all or any part of any liability it may incur for death, injury or disability of any person or for damage to property, either real or personal;
2. Insure any employee of said entity against all or any part of his liability for injury or damage resulting from an act or omission in the scope of employment;
3. Insure against the expense of defending a claim against said entity or its employee, whether or not liability exists on such claim;
4. Insure said entity or its employee against any loss, damage or liability as provided by Sections 702 through 708 of Title 36 of the Oklahoma Statutes; or
5. Provide other forms of insurance provided for in Title 36 of the Oklahoma Statutes.
The cost or premium of any such insurance is a proper expenditure of said entity.
As used in this subsection, "employee" means any person who has acted in behalf of said entity, whether that person is acting on a permanent or temporary basis with or without being compensated or on a full-time or part-time basis. The term "employee" shall also include but not be limited to all elected or appointed officers, members of governing bodies of said entity, and other persons designated by said entity to act in its behalf.
B. Any insurance authorized by law to be purchased, obtained or provided by said entity may be provided by:
1. Self-insurance, which may be, but is not required to be, funded by appropriations to establish or maintain reserves for self-insurance purposes;
2. Insurance with any insurer authorized to transact insurance in this state;
3. Insurance secured in accordance with any other method provided by law; or
4. Any combination of insurance authorized by this section.
C. Two or more said entities or public agencies, by interlocal agreement made pursuant to Section 1001 et seq. of Title 74 of the Oklahoma Statutes, may provide insurance for any purpose by any one or more of the methods specified in this section. The pooling of self-insured reserves, claims or losses among said entities as authorized in this act shall not be construed to be transacting insurance nor otherwise subject to the provisions of the laws of this state regulating insurance or insurance companies. Two or more said entities may also be insured under a master policy or contract of insurance. Premium costs may be set individually for each entity or apportioned among participating entities as provided by the master policy or contract.
Added by Laws 1988, c. 49, § 2, emerg. eff. March 22, 1988.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 51. Officers › §51-200. Settlements - Legislative approval - Involvement of Attorney General.

A. 1. No agency, board or commission, public officer, official or employee of the State of Oklahoma shall, without the approval of the Oklahoma State Legislature when it is in regular session, or by the Contingency Review Board, when the Legislature is not in regular session, enter into any default or agreed judgment, consent decree or other settlement of any litigation or claim against this state which would require a settlement expenditure in excess of Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00) or the creation, modification or implementation of a court-ordered or legislatively authorized plan or program which would necessitate an appropriation by the Legislature in excess of Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00). Approval of the Oklahoma Legislature pursuant to this section shall be by concurrent resolution. The Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate shall notify their respective membership of the default or agreed judgment, consent decree or other settlement of litigation or claim. Any default or agreed judgment, consent decree or other settlement entered into in violation of this section shall be void.
2. Any agreed judgment, consent decree or other settlement of litigation or claim against this state which shall be paid from the Risk Management Fund and any statutory condemnation proceeding shall be exempt from the provisions of this section.
B. The Attorney General shall be notified by any agency, board or commission, public officer, official or employee of this state of all lawsuits against said agency, board or commission, public officer, official or employee that seeks relief which would impose obligations requiring an agency to request a supplemental appropriation or to request an increase in appropriations to maintain the current level of services beyond the fiscal year in which the lawsuit is filed if said lawsuit was settled in favor of the plaintiff. The Attorney General shall review any such cases and may represent the interests of the state, if he considers it to be in the best interest of the state to do so. Representation of multiple defendants in such actions may, at the discretion of the Attorney General, be divided with counsel for the agency, board or commission, public officer, official or employee of this state as necessary to avoid conflicts of interest. The Attorney General may levy and collect costs, expenses of litigation and a reasonable attorney's fee for such legal services from the agency, board or commission, public officer, official or employee of this state.
C. A copy of the service summons in all actions on claims against the state shall be made on the Attorney General of this state by the petitioner.
Added by Laws 1994, c. 374, § 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 51. Officers › §51-252. Definitions.

In this act:
1. “Demonstrates” means the burdens of going forward with the evidence and of persuasion under the standard of clear and convincing evidence are met;
2. “Exercise of religion” means the exercise of religion under Article 1, Section 2, of the Constitution of the State of Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Religious Freedom Act, and the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States;
3. “Fraudulent claim” means a claim that is dishonest in fact or that is made principally for a patently improper purpose, such as to harass the opposing party;
4. “Frivolous claim” means a claim which lacks merit under existing law and which cannot be supported by a good faith argument for the extension, modification, or reversal of existing law or the establishment of new law;
5. “Governmental entity” means any branch, department, agency, or instrumentality of state government, or any official or other person acting under color of state law, or any political subdivision of this state;
6. “Prevails” means to obtain prevailing party status as defined by courts construing the federal Civil Rights Attorney’s Fees Awards Act of 1976, 42 U.S.C. § 1988; and
7. “Substantially burden” means to inhibit or curtail religiously motivated practice.
Added by Laws 2000, c. 272, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2000.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 51. Officers › §51-253v1. Burden upon free exercise of religion.

A. Except as provided in subsection B of this section, no governmental entity shall substantially burden a person's free exercise of religion even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability.
B. No governmental entity shall substantially burden a person's free exercise of religion unless it demonstrates that application of the burden to the person is:
1. Essential to further a compelling governmental interest; and
2. The least restrictive means of furthering that compelling governmental interest.
C. No governmental entity as defined pursuant to Section 252 of this title shall declare or deem a religious institution and any activity directly related to the institution's discharge of its mission and purpose to be nonessential. No religious institution shall be subject to a closure or restriction for the purposes of health or security that is greater than that imposed upon any private entity facing the same or similar health or security conditions.
Added by Laws 2000, c. 272, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 2000. Amended by Laws 2021, c. 235, § 1, eff. July 1, 2021.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 51. Officers › §51-253v2. Burden upon free exercise of religion.

A. Except as provided in subsection B of this section, no governmental entity shall substantially burden a person’s free exercise of religion even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability.
B. No governmental entity shall substantially burden a person’s free exercise of religion unless it demonstrates that application of the burden to the person is:
1. Essential to further a compelling governmental interest; and
2. The least restrictive means of furthering that compelling governmental interest.
C. No governmental entity as defined pursuant to Section 252 of this title shall declare or deem a religious institution and any activity directly related to the institution’s discharge of its mission and purpose to be nonessential. No religious institution shall be subject to a closure or restriction for the purposes of health or security that is greater than that imposed upon any private entity facing the same or similar health or security conditions.
D. It shall be deemed a substantial burden to exclude any person or entity from participation in or receipt of governmental funds, benefits, programs, or exemptions based solely on the religious character or affiliation of the person or entity.
Added by Laws 2000, c. 272, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 2000. Amended by Laws 2021, c. 235, § 1, eff. July 1, 2021; Laws 2023, c. 189, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2023.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 51. Officers › §51-254. Correctional facility regulation - Compelling state interest.

A state or local correctional facility’s regulation must be considered in furtherance of a compelling state interest if the facility demonstrates that the religious activity:
1. Sought to be engaged by a prisoner is presumptively dangerous to the health or safety of that prisoner; or
2. Poses a direct threat to the health, safety, or security of other prisoners, correctional staff, or the public.
Added by Laws 2000, c. 272, § 4, eff. Nov. 1, 2000.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 51. Officers › §51-255v1. Construction.

A. Nothing in this act shall be construed to:
1. Authorize any government entity to substantially burden any religious belief;
2. Authorize same sex marriages, unions, or the equivalent thereof; or
3. Affect, interpret, or in any way address those portions of Article 1, Section 2, and Article 2, Section 5, of the Constitution of the State of Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Religious Freedom Act, or the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States that prohibit laws respecting the establishment of religion.
B. Granting governmental funds, benefits, or exemptions to the extent permissible under paragraph 3 of subsection A of this section shall not constitute a violation of this section. As used in this subsection, "granting government funds, benefits, or exemptions" shall not include the denial of government funding, benefits, or exemptions. This provision does not in and of itself require vouchers.
C. A civil action brought under Section 9 of this act shall not be subject to any provision of the Oklahoma Religious Freedom Act.
Added by Laws 2000, c. 272, § 5, eff. Nov. 1, 2000. Amended by Laws 2022, c. 190, § 16, emerg. eff. May 3, 2022.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 51. Officers › §51-255v2. Construction.

A. Nothing in this act shall be construed to:
1. Authorize any government entity to substantially burden any religious belief;
2. Authorize same-sex marriages, unions, or the equivalent thereof; or
3. Affect, interpret, or in any way address those portions of Article I, Section 2 and Article II, Section 5 of the Constitution of the State of Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Religious Freedom Act, or the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States that prohibit laws respecting the establishment of religion.
B. Granting governmental funds, benefits, or exemptions to the extent permissible under paragraph 3 of subsection A of this section shall not constitute a violation of this section. This provision does not in and of itself require vouchers.
C. A civil action brought under Section 1-745.55 of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes shall not be subject to any provision of the Oklahoma Religious Freedom Act.
Added by Laws 2000, c. 272, § 5, eff. Nov. 1, 2000. Amended by Laws 2022, c. 321, § 12, emerg. eff. May 25, 2022; Laws 2023, c. 189, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2023.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 51. Officers › §51-256. Remedies – Costs - Attorney Fees.

A. Any person whose exercise of religion has been substantially burdened by a governmental entity in violation of this section may assert that violation as a claim or defense in any judicial or administrative proceeding and may obtain declaratory relief or monetary damages.
B. Any person who prevails in any proceeding to enforce this act against a governmental entity may recover reasonable costs and attorney fees.
Added by Laws 2000, c. 272, § 6, eff. Nov. 1, 2000.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 51. Officers › §51-257. Frivolous or fraudulent claims.

Any person found by a court of competent jurisdiction to have abused the protection of this act by filing a frivolous or fraudulent claim may be assessed the court costs of the governmental entity and may be enjoined from filing further claims under this act without leave of court.
Added by Laws 2000, c. 272, § 7, eff. Nov. 1, 2000.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 51. Officers › §51-258. Governmental authority.

Notwithstanding any provision of this act, a governmental entity has no less authority to adopt or apply laws and regulations in a nondiscriminatory manner concerning zoning, land use planning, traffic management, urban nuisance, or historic preservation, than the authority of the governmental entity that existed under the law prior to the passage of this act. This section does not affect the authority of a governmental entity to adopt or apply laws and regulations as that authority has been interpreted by any court.
Added by Laws 2000, c. 272, § 8, eff. Nov. 1, 2000.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 52. Oil and Gas › §52-1. Corporation Commission or Commission defined.

As used in Title 52, the term "Corporation Commission" or "Commission" shall mean the Corporation Commission of Oklahoma, or any employee, agent, deputy or representative of the Commission as shall be authorized by law or the Commission to perform any duty, responsibility or function, or exercise any power, unless the intent of the statute clearly prohibits such an authorization.
Added by Laws 1980, c. 86, § 5, eff. July 1, 1980.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 52. Oil and Gas › §52-1.1. Corporations for producing, transmitting or transporting natural gas.

Any firm, co-partnership, association, or combination of individuals may become a body corporate under the laws of this state for the purpose of producing, transmitting, or transporting natural gas to points within or without this state by complying with the general corporation laws of the State of Oklahoma.
R.L.1910, § 4290. Amended by Laws 1929, c. 44, p. 56, § 1; Laws 1907-08, p. 586; C.S. 1921, § 7889; St. 1931, § 11507. Renumbered from § 1 by Laws 1980, c. 86, § 6.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 52. Oil and Gas › §52-2. Foreign gas pipeline corporations - License.

Foreign corporations formed for the purpose of, or engaged in the business of transporting or transmitting natural gas by means of pipe lines, shall be licensed and permitted to conduct such business within this state by complying with the general corporation laws of the State of Oklahoma, and with the provisions of this article.
R.L.1910, § 4292. Amended by Laws 1929, c. 44, p. 56, § 2.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 52. Oil and Gas › §52-3. Eminent domain.

No association, combination, co-partnership or corporation shall have or exercise the right of eminent domain within this state for the purpose of constructing or maintaining a gas pipeline within this state, or shall be permitted to take private or public property for their use within this state, unless expressly granted such power in accordance with this article.
R.L.1910, § 4293.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 52. Oil and Gas › §52-4. Right-of-way must be granted by charter and damages paid - Damages.

The laying, constructing, building and maintaining a gas pipeline for the transportation or transmission of natural gas along, over, under, across or through the highways, roads, bridges, streets, or alleys in this state, or of any county, city, municipal corporation or any other private or public premises within this state is hereby declared an additional burden upon said highway, bridge, road, street or alley, and any other private, or public premises and may only be done when the right is granted by express charter from the state; and such gas pipeline shall not be constructed, maintained, or operated until all damages to adjacent owners are ascertained and paid as provided by law.
R.L.1910, § 4294.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 52. Oil and Gas › §52-5.1. Cooperation with other agencies.

The Corporation Commission is hereby authorized to cooperate with any agency of the Government of the United States or of any state in any cooperative programs designed to achieve greater uniformity or efficiency in the promulgation and enforcement of rules designed to regulate the safe design, construction, maintenance and operation of gas pipelines.
Added by Laws 1968, c. 73, § 2, emerg. eff. March 25, 1968.