Business Courts Constitutionality Challenged at Oklahoma Supreme Court

July 17, 2025 | This week, the Oklahoma Supreme Court stayed the September 1 implementation of Senate Bill 632, which would create business courts in Tulsa and Oklahoma counties. In a 6-3 decision, the justices halted the law’s enactment while they consider whether it violates the state constitution. During oral arguments, opponents of the bill argued that it improperly bypasses the constitutional requirement that district judges be elected. Supporters responded that the measure is a lawful way to streamline complex commercial cases through an adjudicative body akin to a board or commission. If the Court finds the law unconstitutional, lawmakers will need to revisit the creation of business courts in the next legislative session.