Bill > SB830

This bill modifies the jurisdiction and review processes for Oklahoma's Court of Civil Appeals by establishing several key changes: First, the bill mandates that the Supreme Court must assign all district court appeals (except criminal cases) to the Court of Civil Appeals, removing the Supreme Court's previous discretion in case assignment. The Court of Civil Appeals will now have the power to determine cases that are properly before it, with its decisions being final and generally not appealable to the Supreme Court. However, the Supreme Court can review a Court of Civil Appeals decision only by granting a writ of certiorari, which requires a majority vote of the Supreme Court's Justices. When the Supreme Court reviews a case via certiorari, the bill ensures that each party has the right to submit a brief and present oral arguments, unless all parties mutually waive these rights. The bill also clarifies that the Court of Civil Appeals can issue various judicial writs (such as habeas corpus and mandamus) in cases properly before it. These changes aim to streamline the appellate process and provide more structured guidelines for case review. The bill will become effective on November 1, 2025.

Justice

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb830&Session=2600