The Latest in Oklahoma: June 20, 2025
A&A Advocates
Oklahoma will soon launch two specialized business courts in Oklahoma City and Tulsa to handle complex commercial lawsuits, starting September 1. Supporters argue the new courts will ease the burden on district courts and attract businesses to the state, while critics claim the law is costly, unnecessary, and favors corporations over regular citizens. The law, signed by Governor Stitt, allows for cases involving trade secrets, contracts, and other complex business issues to be shifted from district courts, with judges appointed directly by the governor.
In this guest column, an Oklahoma foster mom shares how Medicaid, through SoonerCare, has been a lifeline for her two medically complex children. She describes how the program covers surgeries, therapy, and support services that make it possible for her to work and care for her kids. She warns that proposed federal cuts to Medicaid would devastate families like hers, especially in rural areas where SoonerCare is often the only healthcare option. Urging Senators Lankford and Mullin to oppose these cuts, she emphasizes that for many, this is not a political issue, it’s a matter of survival.
A judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Oklahoma State Department of Education and Ryan Walters that challenged the state’s new social studies standards. The lawsuit claimed the Oklahoma State Board of Education had violated open meeting laws and improperly passed the standards, but the judge ruled the board acted within its authority. Walters said he would continue to oppose the new standards, calling them “radical” and saying they erase key parts of U.S. history. Despite the dismissal, Walters urged state lawmakers to take action to overturn the standards.
Three newly elected representatives were sworn in to the Oklahoma House on June 18, 2025. Republican Kevin Norwood (Owasso, District 74), Democrat Amanda Clinton (Tulsa, District 71), and Democrat Aletia Timmons (Oklahoma City, District 97) each took the oath of office administered by Chief Justice Dustin Rowe. Norwood won his seat in a special election held earlier in June, while Clinton and Timmons secured theirs in separate special elections; their arrivals bring the House to its full complement of 101 members—81 Republicans and 20 Democrats.
Upcoming Interim Study Deadlines
06/27/25: Deadline to request a House or Senate study for approval.
07/03/25: Deadline for the Pro Tem to announce approved Senate studies.
07/25/25: Deadline for the Speaker to announce approved House studies.
10/31/25: Deadline for Senate studies to be completed.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“A proud veteran, legal scholar and champion of collegiate athletics, he brought distinction to every role he held, guiding generations of students, shaping legal practice in Oklahoma, and influencing national conversations in both law and college sports.” University of Oklahoma President Joseph Harroz said regarding the passing of former University of Oklahoma President David Swank. “His contributions to both the Oklahoma Bar and the NCAA were as far-reaching as they were principled.”