In a landmark 6-2 decision, the Oklahoma Supreme Court invalidated Senate Bill 632, a high-profile measure championed by Gov. Kevin Stitt to establish specialized business courts in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.

The ruling, penned by Justice Noma Gurich, declared the law unconstitutional for bypassing the state’s mandate that district judges be elected by voters.

Under SB 632, passed in May and swiftly signed by Stitt, the governor would appoint judges from a list provided by the House Speaker, handling complex corporate disputes exceeding $500,000 in damages statewide.

Proponents, including Stitt, hailed the courts as a game-changer to attract businesses fleeing Delaware’s jurisdiction, promising expert adjudication for contracts and litigation to boost economic growth and job creation. Stitt argued it would streamline resolutions, making Oklahoma more competitive.

Critics, led by attorneys Bob Burke, Joe White Jr., and Jason Waddell, contended it eroded democratic rights, created a special law favoring corporations, and violated separation of powers by overriding the Supreme Court’s administrative authority. They noted existing district courts already manage business cases effectively.

The decision underscores tensions between economic ambitions and constitutional fidelity, with dissenters such as Justice Travis Jett questioning the court’s original jurisdiction.

As Oklahoma eyes recovery from recent energy-sector slumps, this rebuff may prompt legislative tweaks — or bolder reforms. Watch for Stitt’s response; business lobbies are already mobilizing.