5 “Special Session” Questions With Rep. Glen Mulready

Five questions on the Special Session with State Representative Glen Mulready (R-OK 68th District):

1. What would House Republicans like to accomplish with this special session?

Our goal is to place back into law some common sense lawsuit reforms that were passed back in 2009. Unfortunately, the Oklahoma Supreme Court recently ruled it unconstitutional on the grounds that it contained more than one subject.

2. For those that don’t follow state politics, why is this issue so important for local Oklahoma businesses?

We must ensure that our citizens have access to the courts and a system in place for them to seek justice when they have been wronged. However, we must balance this with common sense controls that will prevent frivolous lawsuits that drive up the cost of products and services as well as hinder new growth and economic development.

3. Some Democrats have complained about the new rules for this special session and the time constraints on questioning- what do you say?

If we were considering new ideas and legislation, I would agree. However, we are not addressing anything with any substantive change. We are merely breaking into smaller segments the same legislation that was passed four years ago with strong bipartisan support (86-15 in the House and 42-5 in the Senate) and was signed into law by Democrat Governor Brad Henry.

4. There is certainly costs when calling a special session. I assume you feel fixing this problem outweigh the costs?

Yes. The costs for this special session we should be able to keep under $150,000. The costs to Oklahoma businesses for delaying this until our regular session would in all probability total several million dollars. I spoke with one insurance company that provides medical malpractice insurance. Their premiums have gone down 16.5% since the legislation went into place in 2009. Their claims per 100 insureds had declined to its lowest point ever for the first six months of 2013. After the Supreme Court ruling in June, their claims tripled for the months of July and August. This has a trickle down effect for our citizens. I believe the sooner we address this, the better it will be for all Oklahomans.

5. Speaker Shannon said recently that he would like to tackle judicial system reform after this tort reform effort. Have you’ll discussed this seriously yet?

We have not discussed this in any formal way. I know that a number of my Republican colleagues have concerns about activist judges and I am sure we will take a look at this at a later date.