Governor commends lawmakers for special session work

Gov. Mary Fallin today applauded legislators for quickly passing a series of lawsuit reform measures and bringing the special session to a close.

“I appreciate lawmakers acting quickly to bring our special session to a successful close,” the governor said.

“Their efficient work will minimize the costs of the session and save taxpayer dollars."

The House and Senate sent 23 bills related to lawsuit reform to her desk in five business days. The governor will act on them after she and her legal staff has had a chance to review them.

“My thanks go out to our lawmakers for passing these measures that will protect our businesses and our medical community from frivolous lawsuits and skyrocketing legal costs,” Gov. Fallin said. “It was important to address lawsuit reform immediately and with a singular focus. These measures will help to keep jobs in Oklahoma and further our reputation as a business friendly state. They will also help us to attract and retain good doctors and contain medical costs. This is a big win for Oklahomans.”

Gov. Fallin last month called lawmakers back into special session to re-institute components of House Bill 1603, a comprehensive lawsuit reform measure signed into law in 2009. It was passed with bipartisan support and signed into law by Democratic Gov. Brad Henry. The intent of HB 1603 was to reduce the number of frivolous lawsuits and medical malpractice claims filed in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Supreme Court earlier this year struck down the measure, saying it violated the state constitution’s single-subject rule.