Doak Praises New Liability Law for Public Facilities

 

OKLAHOMA CITY –Insurance Commissioner John Doak congratulated Sen. Ron Justice, Rep. Fred Jordan and Rep. Purcy Walker on the passage of SB 1316. Governor Mary Fallin signed the bill this week, which will protect public facilities from hefty liability claims.

 

“Senator Justice saw first hand the devastation of tornados in his district last spring.  He was a strong leader for his community in a very difficult time.  I was glad to work with him on the disaster recovery and his subsequent legislative study on Oklahoma’s tornado response,” said Doak.

 

SB 1316 modifies Oklahoma’s Government Tort Claims Act by adding a liability exemption for cities, towns, counties or other entities that open public buildings up to citizens during severe weather emergencies.

 

“Due to the high number of natural disasters that Oklahoma experiences on a yearly basis, it was crucial to get this bill signed into law,” said Sen. Justice.

 

SB1316 does not mandate public facilities to serve as natural disaster shelters. Instead, the new law simply protects entities that choose to let the public in during such events from being liable for any injuries incurred while in the building or from being turned away because the facility is full.

 

 

“SB 1316 is going to make it easier for people to do the right thing during an emergency situation, allowing public entities to serve without the fear of liability claims,” said Doak.

 

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