House Bill 1870 Summary

• Amends 52 O.S. 2011, Section 318.5 to modify the surface damage appraisal process for oil and gas drilling operations in Oklahoma

• Requires jury trials for surface damage disputes to be conducted and concluded within 6 months after filing the written demand for jury trial, with no continuances allowed

• Maintains existing appraiser selection process where operator and surface owner each select one appraiser, and those two select a third appraiser (must be state-certified)

• Declares an emergency clause making the act effective immediately upon passage and approval