HB 1638 Summary

• Amends 51 O.S. 2021, Section 152 to modify definitions within The Governmental Tort Claims Act, specifically changing "in" to "on" in the definition of "Agency" to clarify that agencies act "on behalf of" the state or political subdivision.

• Changes terminology in the "Employee" definition from "in" to "on" for consistency, specifying that employees are authorized to act "on behalf of" political subdivisions or the state.

• Adds "regional economic development authority" alongside regional transportation authorities in the definition of "Political subdivision," extending tort claims protections to regional economic development authorities and their contract operators.

• Clarifies that commercial liability insurance acquired by regional transportation or regional economic development authorities does not waive the governmental immunities and defenses provided under the Governmental Tort Claims Act.

• Becomes effective November 1, 2025.