SB 1686 Summary

• Establishes procedures for appointing a discovery master in Oklahoma civil cases to manage discovery matters and facilitate effective case resolution.

• Requires court findings that the appointment is necessary due to complexity or volume of materials, that benefits outweigh costs, and that it will not improperly burden parties' court access.

• Specifies the discovery master's authority to regulate proceedings, resolve discovery disputes, conduct conferences, and recommend sanctions under existing Oklahoma statutes.

• Provides standards for judicial review: de novo review of legal conclusions and factual findings (unless parties stipulate otherwise), and abuse of discretion standard for procedural rulings.

• Sets effective date of November 1, 2014, and addresses compensation, disqualification procedures, and the discovery master's duties and limitations.