Bill No. 625 amends the Oklahoma Discovery Code to enhance transparency in commercial litigation funding by introducing new requirements for the disclosure of funding agreements. Under the bill, parties must produce these agreements upon request, and such information will not be admissible as evidence in court. Additionally, the bill requires a sworn affidavit certifying the source of funds, particularly if they originate from a foreign state or agency, and a certification regarding any control by a foreign adversary. Notably, consumer litigation funding agreements are exempt from these new provisions. The bill also emphasizes the need for initial disclosures and outlines the scope of discovery, mandating that relevant information be provided without waiting for a discovery request, except in certain exempt categories.

Moreover, the bill establishes new provisions for protective orders in civil litigation, requiring that any order removing material from the public record must include a justification, specific identification of the material, and guidelines for its storage and presentation. It mandates the use of pseudonyms for parties involved in cases where protective orders are sought and outlines the responsibilities of counsel in managing these orders. The bill further clarifies definitions related to commercial litigation funding, distinguishing between commercial and consumer funders, and addresses concerns about foreign influence by defining entities controlled by foreign adversaries and identifying foreign adversary countries. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.