Patrick
Business courts are designed to focus exclusively on commercial disputes and litigation between businesses. These specialized courts would not hear criminal or general civil cases.
The core idea is to streamline complex business-related lawsuits and reduce the growing backlog currently handled by district courts across Oklahoma.
Lawmakers have pushed for this concept for several years, believing that separating commercial cases could improve efficiency and allow traditional courts to move faster on other matters.
Senate Bill 632 and the Business Court Taskforce
The passage of Senate Bill 632 laid the groundwork for establishing business courts in Tulsa County and Oklahoma County.
Enacted as part of a 2025 law, SB 632 also created the Business Court Taskforce, a group charged with evaluating how such courts could be structured and implemented effectively in Oklahoma.
According to taskforce chairman Jon Echols, the initiative was never just about corporations. He emphasized that the broader goal was to strengthen the state’s entire judicial system while ensuring fairness for all litigants.
The taskforce brought together experienced trial attorneys, in-house corporate counsel familiar with business courts in other states, and members of the judiciary.
This diverse mix was intended to design a court model that would function well statewide and position Oklahoma as a more business-friendly environment.
Supreme Court Blocks Senate Bill 632
Despite legislative momentum, the effort faced a major hurdle in July when the Oklahoma State Supreme Court ruled Senate Bill 632 unconstitutional. Petitioners argued that the bill improperly shifted authority away from voters.
Echols described the ruling as a temporary setback rather than a final defeat. In response, the taskforce reconvened to address the constitutional concerns raised by the court and continued refining its recommendations.
Taskforce Delivers Final Report
During a December meeting, the Business Court Taskforce voted unanimously to submit its final report. The document was formally delivered to the legislature, executive branch, and the Oklahoma Supreme Court.
Echols highlighted that the unanimous vote reflected rare consensus among stakeholders with very different legal backgrounds. While the full contents of the report have not yet been released to the public, he noted that it outlines a framework intended to work for the entire state.
What Happens Next?
With the report now submitted, responsibility shifts to Oklahoma’s governor, lawmakers, and judicial leaders. Each branch will review the findings and determine whether—and how—to move forward with establishing business courts.
Supporters argue that a well-designed system could bring greater certainty for businesses and litigants, while also preventing complex commercial cases from overwhelming rural court dockets.
Oklahoma’s push for business courts has faced legal challenges, but momentum continues through collaborative efforts and detailed planning.
With a unanimous taskforce report now under review, state leaders must decide whether a revised approach can deliver a more efficient, business-focused judicial option without violating constitutional principles.