Okla. Stat. tit. 19, § 19-138.1a

- Tort liability.

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 19. Counties and County Officers Page 70

A. In each county of this state possessing a population of over

three hundred thousand (300,000) according to the Federal Decennial

Census of 1990, or any succeeding Federal Decennial Census, there is

hereby created the office of public defender, and such office shall

be charged upon the order of any judge of a court of record of such

county, with the protection of the rights of any defendant to a

criminal action. The board of county commissioners of such county

shall provide for necessary office supplies and equipment and

arrange for sufficient office space in the county building, used by

the courts of record of such county, to permit the efficient and

effective operation of the office of public defender.

B. Subject to available funding, the board of county

commissioners, along with the office of the public defender, shall

provide and coordinate training and continuing legal education for

attorneys employed by the office of the public defender. Curriculum

for training required under this section shall include, but not be

limited to:

1. Nationally recognized defense seminars; and

2. Evidence-based practices regarding behavioral health and

treatment of defendants with substance abuse or mental health needs.

C. For purposes of liability under the Governmental Tort Claims

Act, any public defender, assistant public defender or employee

thereof, who is employed under this section shall be deemed a state

employee.