Senate Bill 459 Summary

• Amends Oklahoma civil court filing fee schedule in 28 O.S. 2011, Section 152, establishing non-refundable flat fees for various case types ranging from $23.00 to $163.00.

• Adds mandatory assessments to civil case fees: $6.00 to Law Library Fund, $25.00 to Oklahoma Court Information System Revolving Fund, and $5.00 to Oklahoma court-appointed special advocates (OCASA).

• Allocates $2.00 assessment split between Council on Judicial Complaints Revolving Fund ($1.55) and State Judicial Revolving Fund ($0.45) for interpreter and translator services in district courts.

• Permits litigants to file affidavit in forma pauperis claiming inability to pay fees due to poverty, with court required to hold hearing on eligibility; allows opposing parties to file contradicting affidavits.

• Authorizes payment of fees by credit card, debit card, or electronic payment methods; effective November 1, 2015.