Bill No. 1562 establishes a business court division within the district court system in Oklahoma, specifically targeting counties with populations over 500,000. The legislation creates two distinct business court divisions: Business Court Division I in Oklahoma County and Business Court Division II in Tulsa County. It outlines the jurisdiction of these courts to include a variety of commercial disputes while excluding personal injury and domestic relations matters. The bill also details the appointment process for business court judges through a Joint Committee on Judicial Vacancy Appointments and sets their salaries to match those of district court judges. Additionally, it introduces provisions for the appointment of secretary-bailiffs and specifies qualifications for judges, including age, citizenship, and legal experience.

The bill further establishes procedures for filing actions in the business courts, allowing district courts to transfer cases to the business court when appropriate. It mandates that nonjury trials in these courts be resolved within twelve months, with the possibility of extension upon mutual agreement. A fee structure is also introduced, with an initial filing fee of $2,500 and a $50 fee for subsequent motions. Moreover, the bill authorizes the Supreme Court to implement electronic filing for documents in business courts, with rules to be developed by the Administrative Office of the Courts. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on November 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 20-125
House Committee Substitute: 20-125
Floor (House): 20-125
Engrossed: 20-125