Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

Oklahoma Senate Bill SB467

Introduced
2/1/21  
Refer
2/2/21  

Caption

Nuisance; prohibiting nuisance action for oil and gas activities after specified time period; placing limitation on noneconomic damages. Effective date.

Impact

The implications of SB467 are significant for state laws governing property rights and the regulation of oil and gas activities. By limiting the ability of property owners to seek damages for nuisance against longstanding oil operations, the bill effectively reduces legal liabilities for the oil and gas industry. Opponents may argue that this could undermine property rights and the ability of landowners to protect their property from potential nuisances resulting from nearby oil and gas operations, such as noise, pollution, or other disturbances.

Summary

Senate Bill 467 aims to redefine the legal framework regarding nuisance actions related to oil and gas activities in Oklahoma. Specifically, the bill prohibits nuisance lawsuits against oil and gas operations that have been legally operational for two years or more. This clause is designed to protect established oil and gas projects from legal challenges based on nuisance claims, thereby promoting stability in the industry. The provisions signal a legislative intent to foster the oil and gas sector, which is crucial to Oklahoma's economy.

Contention

Notable contention points could arise from the limitation on noneconomic damages established by the bill. The legislation caps such damages at either three times the compensatory damages awarded or a maximum of $250,000. Critics of this cap may view it as unjust, especially for those who may experience significant non-monetary harm. Furthermore, the bill's definition of what constitutes 'oil and gas activities' is broad, potentially encompassing various operations, which could raise questions about its scope and enforceability in different contexts.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK HB1833

Nuisance; oil and gas activities; damages; effective date.

OK HB1457

Nuisances; agricultural activities as nuisances; excluding medical marijuana; effective date.

OK HB1457

Nuisances; agricultural activities as nuisances; excluding medical marijuana; effective date.

OK SB939

Nuisances; prohibiting certain sectors from nuisance claims. Effective date.

OK SB1523

Noneconomic damages; prohibiting party from referencing noneconomic damages to jury in certain actions. Effective date.

OK SB1751

Noneconomic damages; prohibiting party from referencing noneconomic damages to jury in certain actions. Effective date.

OK SB1115

Nuisances; prohibiting certain acts from being deemed public nuisance; clarifying applicable remedies in certain civil actions. Effective date.

OK HB2543

Nuisances; Oklahoma Nuisances Act of 2025; effective date.

OK HB2544

Nuisances; Oklahoma Nuisances Act of 2025; effective date.

OK HB2546

Nuisances; Oklahoma Nuisances Act of 2025; effective date.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.