Oklahoma Discovery Code; protective orders for deposition of high-ranking officer of government entities or other public or private organizations; effective date.

HB 2943 modifies Oklahoma's discovery rules to make it harder to depose high-ranking officials from government or large organizations. It requires parties seeking to block such depositions to prove the officer has unique scheduling demands, lacks personal knowledge of the case, and works for a complex entity. If blocked, the opposing party must then show they've exhausted other discovery methods and the officer has unique knowledge. The bill aims to reduce burdens on officials while ensuring depositions only occur when necessary. It takes effect November 1, 2026.