Senate approves amendment to Governmental Tort Claims Act

The Senate approved Senate Bill 1110 on Tuesday, which would amend the Governmental Tort Claims Act to include substate planning districts, regional councils of government and other entities created under the Interlocal Cooperation Act. Bill author Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, said the measure adds clarification that these entities are political subdivisions of the state.

“These organizations are listed elsewhere in Oklahoma statutes as acting governmental units,” Bergstrom said. “Adding them to the Governmental Tort Claims Act will hopefully reduce unnecessary legal expenses and save taxpayer dollars.” 

The Governmental Tort Claims Act allows ordinary people to sue the State of Oklahoma and its entities, with exceptions that protect the state. Expanding coverage to substate planning districts, regional councils of government and other entities under the Interlocal Cooperation Act would give them legal protection. 

The bill now moves to the House of Representatives where Rep. Josh West, R-Grove, will present the measure.

For more information, contact: Sen. Micheal Bergstrom at 405-521-5561, or email Micheal.Bergstrom@oksenate.gov.

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