A. All abstractors shall furnish abstracts, abstract extensions, supplemental abstracts or final title reports as desired, to the persons applying therefor, in the order of receipt of a valid order therefor, without unnecessary delay, and for reasonable compensation pursuant to the requirements of the Oklahoma Abstractors Act. A valid order is a written order from the person applying for the order who is a party to the transaction containing the following elements:

1. A complete and accurate legal description or a complete and accurate address, as applicable;

2. The availability of any necessary base abstract; and

3. An up-front commitment to pay for the order either upon delivery or other payment conditions agreed to by the parties to the transaction or a stated cancellation fee amount.

B. Failure of an abstractor to furnish an abstract, abstract extension, supplemental abstract or final title report within the following time periods shall constitute unnecessary delay:

1. For furnishing new abstracts:

a. unplatted: twenty (20) business days, and

b. platted: fifteen (15) business days; and

2. For furnishing an abstract extension, supplemental abstract or final title report:

a. unplatted: seventeen (17) business days, and

b. platted: twelve (12) business days.

C. All licensed abstractors and certificate of authority holders, whose business is hereby declared to stand upon a like footing with that of common carriers, who shall refuse to do so, upon receipt of a valid order for the abstract, abstract extension, supplemental abstract or final title report, shall be subject to the following:

1. A civil penalty of not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) nor more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) for each occurrence;

2. Liability in any action for damages, loss or injury which any person may suffer or incur by reason of failure to furnish such abstract, abstract extension, supplemental abstract or final title report pursuant to the provisions of this section. This penalty may be enforced in the same manner in which civil judgments may be enforced; and

D. The provisions of this section shall not apply to orders for abstracts on oil, gas, and other minerals.

Historical Data