HB 1596 Summary

• Amends Oklahoma civil procedure rules for pleadings by requiring a "short and plain statement, made with particularity of all material facts" that creates a reasonable inference the pleader is plausibly entitled to relief, and defines "material fact" as necessary to the claim without which it could not be supported.

• Modifies damage pleading requirements so plaintiffs seeking exemplary or punitive damages must state whether damages exceed the federal diversity jurisdiction threshold ($75,000) without stating a specific dollar amount.

• Adds new "Motion to Clarify Damages" procedure allowing defendants to challenge whether actual damages fall below the diversity jurisdiction threshold before trial, requiring plaintiffs to show by preponderance of evidence that awarded damages would likely exceed the threshold amount.

• Updates language throughout Section 2008 and 2009 to be gender-neutral by replacing "he or she" with gender-inclusive pronouns and adjusts references to conditions precedent pleading standards.

• Becomes effective November 1, 2025.