House Bill No. 2619, introduced by Harris, amends Section 3226 of Title 12 of the Oklahoma Statutes to enhance transparency in commercial litigation funding. The bill requires parties to produce any commercial litigation funding agreements upon request, while ensuring that the information contained within these agreements is not admissible as evidence in court. It also mandates that the producing party provide a sworn certification regarding the source of any funds involved, particularly if they come from a foreign state or agency. Notably, consumer litigation funding agreements are exempt from these requirements. The bill aims to balance the interests of litigating parties with the need for fair and efficient discovery processes.
In addition to the provisions regarding commercial litigation funding, the bill introduces new guidelines for handling confidential documents in court proceedings. It specifies that protective orders do not necessitate amendments to the microfilm record of filings and requires parties to present these orders to court clerks promptly. The bill also outlines the sequence and timing of discovery, allowing for flexibility in methods used unless otherwise agreed upon or ordered by the court. It emphasizes the duty of parties to supplement discovery responses as new information arises and establishes a framework for discovery conferences. New definitions for "commercial litigation funder" and "commercial litigation funding agreement" are included to clarify the scope of these terms. The bill is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.