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Votes at a glance: Senate advances multiple measures on third reading — consumer protections, education access, deposition limits and construction thresholds
Summary
The Oklahoma Senate passed several bills on third reading during the floor session, including consumer‑protection changes for total loss vehicle claims, expansion of adult high‑school completion access, limits on abusive depositions, and threshold changes for required architectural oversight. Several measures were adopted as emergency items.
A set of distinct bills were taken for third reading and final passage during the same floor session. The measures below are summarized from the floor transcript; vote tallies and the outcomes are as recorded on the Senate floor.
Senate Bill 641 — Expedite total‑loss vehicle claims and consumer protections (author: Pro Tem Paxton) - Summary: Sponsor said the bill is a negotiated consumer protection measure among auto dealers, body shops and insurers to expedite total‑loss vehicle claims and reduce consumer cost; aims to speed repairs and claims settlements. - Floor action: Advanced and passed on third reading. - Vote: 32 ayes, 7 nays. - Outcome: Passed.
Senate Bill 745 — Expand adult high‑school completion access and virtual participation - Summary: Amends state statute to expand eligibility for completing a high school education to individuals up to age 30 (from age 20) and allows virtual participation; part‑time virtual students may receive prorated student weight for funding. - Floor action: Amendment was withdrawn; bill advanced and passed on third reading. - Vote: 42 ayes, 5 nays; declared an emergency measure. - Outcome: Passed; emergency.
Senate Bill 747 — Limit abusive deposition tactics by shifting initial burden to plaintiff in certain cases (author: Senator Reinhardt) - Summary: Bill limits what the author described as “abusive” litigation tactics that depose a long list of high‑ranking officers; requires plaintiffs to show pertinence before such depositions go forward, shifting an initial burden to plaintiffs (not removing plaintiffs’ right to depose if shown relevant). - Floor debate: Senators questioned definition of “high‑ranking officer,” whether mid‑level managers could be covered, and whether the burden shift would disadvantage plaintiffs on contingency fees. Supporters said the bill targets delay tactics; opponents said it could disadvantage indigent plaintiffs. - Vote: 34 ayes, 13 nays. - Outcome: Passed.
Senate Bill 751 — Architect requirement threshold for public building construction projects - Summary: Amends Title 59 to require an architect for construction projects above a revised threshold; floor explanation described raising the minimum estimated project price before an architect is required (discussion referenced $300,000 as the new threshold compared with prior statute values). - Vote: 46 ayes, 1 nay. - Outcome: Passed.
Senate Bill 789 — Pharmacy and pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) authority and reimbursement (author: Senator Gollihar) - Summary: Sponsors said the bill addresses pharmacy purchasing records, PBM notice to pharmacies of suspected fraud or abuse, and appeals/reimbursement concerns; sponsor said title was stricken and the bill requires further work. - Vote: 46 ayes, 0 nays. - Outcome: Passed; title stricken on the floor for further work.
Notes on procedure and follow up: Several floor speakers asked for additional drafting or clarifying language on bills where the floor record showed ambiguity (notably on PBM technical issues and litigation‑procedure definitions). Where bills were adopted as emergency measures, the Senate indicated immediate effective dates pending final enrollment and transmittal.
