HB 3300 Summary

• Amends Oklahoma's class action procedures by requiring courts to perform a "rigorous analysis" when determining if a class action meets the prerequisites of Oklahoma Statute 12 O.S. 2011, Section 2023, consistent with U.S. Supreme Court interpretations of Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23.

• Establishes that class certification orders are subject to de novo standard of review on appeal, with discovery stayed pending appellate resolution of certification orders while allowing trial courts to consider settlement offers.

• Limits class membership in actions filed after November 1, 2011 to Oklahoma residents or nonresidents who own property in the state relevant to the action or have a significant portion of their cause of action arising from conduct within Oklahoma.

• Requires courts to conduct evidentiary hearings to determine fair and reasonable attorney fees for class counsel, with courts acting in a fiduciary capacity and potentially appointing independent counsel to represent class members' interests in fee disputes.

• Sets an effective date of November 1, 2014 for these modifications to Oklahoma's class action laws.