OklahomaLaw includes some rail authorities and railroads in tort claims rules
Starting November 1, 2026, certain rail authorities, operators, and railroads fall within the Act’s definition for claims tied to public passenger rail service.
What it does
For claims connected to public passenger rail service, the law’s definition of a political subdivision includes regional transportation authorities, their operators, and certain railroads.
Argument forNaming the authority, its operator, and certain railroads could make clearer which parties the Act covers in claims tied to public passenger rail service.
Argument againstApplying the Act’s limits and defenses to some rail claims could narrow passengers’ options when they seek compensation for harm connected to public rail service.
More detail
The law’s definition of a political subdivision includes certain regional transportation authorities, their contract operators, and railroads. The definition covers regional transportation authorities, their contract operators, and certain railroads connected to public passenger rail service. A railroad is covered when a claim relates to property it sells to the authority, services it provides, or use of its property or tracks for public passenger rail service. Buying commercial liability insurance for these activities does not waive the Act’s limits, protections, or defenses. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- May 13Approved by Governor Kevin Stitt 05/12/2026Became Law
- May 6Sent to GovernorTo Governor
- Vote recorded Third Reading. Result: pass.Lower
- May 6Signed, returned to Senate
- May 6Enrolled, to House
- May 6Referred for enrollment
- May 6Signed, returned to Senate
- May 6Third Reading, Measure passed: Ayes: 71 Nays: 19Major
- May 6General Order
- Apr 16CR; Do Pass Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight CommitteeMinor
- Vote recorded Judiciary And Public Safety Oversight Committee: Do Pass. Result: pass.Lower
- Apr 13Policy recommendation to the Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight committee; Do Pass Civil JudiciaryMinor
- Apr 2
- Vote recorded Civil Judiciary Committee: Do Pass. Result: pass.Lower
- Mar 30Referred to Civil JudiciaryMinor
- Mar 30Second Reading referred to Judiciary and Public Safety OversightMinor
- Mar 24First ReadingMinor
- Mar 24Engrossed to HousePassed House
- Mar 23Referred for engrossment
- Vote recorded Third Reading. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 23Measure passed: Ayes: 31 Nays: 11Passed Senate
- Mar 23General Order, Considered
- Feb 23Coauthored by Representative Harris (principal House author)
- Feb 12Placed on General Order
- Feb 10Reported Do Pass, amended by committee substitute Judiciary committee; CR filedMinor
- Vote recorded Judiciary. Result: pass.Upper
- Feb 3Second Reading referred to JudiciaryMinor
- Feb 2Authored by Senator Howard
- Feb 2First ReadingIntroduced
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