2021 Oklahoma Statutes
Title 63. Public Health and Safety
§63-1-750. Criminal and civil penalties - Civil liability - Severability.
NOTE: This section is conditionally repealed upon certification by the Attorney General that either of the conditions set forth in Laws 2021, c. 308, § 18 have been met. (See end of section for those conditions.)
A. A person who intentionally, knowingly or recklessly violates any provision or requirement of this act, Section 1-729a et seq. of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes or any rule or regulation adopted under Section 1-729a et seq. of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes is guilty of a felony.
B. No criminal penalty may be assessed against the pregnant woman upon whom the abortion is performed for a violation of any provision or requirement of this act, Section 1-729a et seq. of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes or any rule or regulation adopted under Section 1-729a et seq. of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes.
C. Any violation of this act, Section 1-729a et seq. of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes or any rule or regulation adopted under Section 1-729a et seq. of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes may be subject to a civil penalty or a fine up to One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00).
D. Each day of violation shall constitute a separate violation for purposes of assessing civil penalties or fines.
E. In deciding whether and to what extent to impose fines, a court shall consider the:
1. Gravity of the violation or violations including the probability that death or serious physical harm to a patient or individual will result or has resulted;
2. Size of the population at risk as a consequence of the violation or violations;
3. Severity and scope of the actual or potential harm;
4. Extent to which the provisions of the applicable statutes or regulations were violated;
5. Indications of good faith exercised by the licensee, abortion facility or the person performing the abortion;
6. Duration, frequency, and relevance of any previous violations committed by the licensee, abortion facility or person performing the abortion; and
7. Financial benefit to the abortion facility or person performing the abortion from committing or continuing the violation or violations.
F. The Office of the Attorney General and a district attorney for the county in which the violation or violations occurred may institute a legal action to enforce collection of civil penalties or fines.
G. Any person who violates this act, Section 1-729a et seq. of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes or any rule or regulation adopted under Section 1-729a et seq. of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes shall be civilly liable to the person or persons adversely affected by the violation or violations. A court may award damages to the person or persons adversely affected by any violation of this act, Section 1-729a et seq. of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes or any rule or regulation adopted under Section 1-729a et seq. of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes including compensation for emotional, physical, and psychological harm; attorney fees, litigation costs, and punitive damages.
H. The provisions of this act are severable, and if any part or provision shall be held void, the decision of the court so holding shall not affect or impair any of the remaining parts or provisions of this act.
I. If some or all of the newly amended provisions of this act resulting from the actions taken by the 2015 Session of the Oklahoma Legislature are ever temporarily or permanently restrained or enjoined by judicial order, this act shall be enforced as though such restrained or enjoined provisions had not been adopted; provided, however, that whenever such temporary or permanent restraining order or injunction is stayed or dissolved, or otherwise ceases to have effect, such provisions shall have full force and effect.
J. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and the State Board of Health shall promulgate rules to implement the provisions of this act.
Added by Laws 2015, c. 386, § 4, eff. Nov. 1, 2015.
NOTE: Section 18 of Laws 2021, c. 308 provides:
