Legislature signs off on creation of Oklahoma business courts
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Legislature on Wednesday advanced a measure to Gov. Kevin Stitt to create the state's first business court system.
Senate Bill 632 would create a business court in Tulsa and one in Oklahoma City. The specialized courts would only hear business-related disputes that involve at least $500,000.
Proponents argue the courts are designed to attract economic growth and investment by making outcomes more efficient and predictable and less costly. In other states, they've also helped reduce the backlog of civil cases.
Over two dozen other states already have adopted similar models.
The selection process for Oklahoma's judges would be outside the parameters of the Judicial Nominating Commission, which interviews candidates for judicial vacancies and submits three names to the governor. Senate confirmation is not required.
Under the measure, the Oklahoma House Speaker would submit three candidates to the governor for consideration.
The governor would choose a judge from among those selections. The governor's selection appointment would be subject to Senate confirmation.
The business court judge would serve for eight years and be subject to reappointment, according to the measure.
To be eligible, a person must be at least 35 years old, a U.S. citizen and a licensed attorney in good standing with 10 or more years experience in certain areas, including complex business litigation, business transaction law, and as a judge or clerk in an Oklahoma court with civil jurisdiction.
Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, asked if the state was growing government.
Sen. Brent Howard, R-Altus, said the state is adding two new judges, at least two new law clerk positions and two new bailiff posts.
'Yes,' Howard said. 'It's growing positions within government.'
Howard said creation of the new system will have a fiscal impact of about $2 million.
The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 39-7 and the House by a vote of 77-12.
Stitt has supported creating the specialized courts that deal with commercial legal issues, arguing that business disputes and complicated contracts must be resolved by judges with business expertise.
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