Bill > SF639

This bill establishes a new specialty business court, effective September 1, 2026, to expedite the resolution of complex commercial and business disputes. The business court will have concurrent jurisdiction with the district court over cases involving at least $200,000 in compensatory damages or seeking primarily injunctive or declaratory relief, provided the cases arise from specific business-related matters such as technology licensing, internal business entity affairs, breaches of contract between businesses, shareholder derivative actions, commercial bank transactions, trade secrets, commercial real estate disputes, antitrust or securities actions, or business tort claims. However, the business court will not have jurisdiction over cases involving governmental entities unless they consent, personal injury or death claims, or certain probate matters, unless all parties and a judge agree. The bill outlines procedures for filing, transferring, and appealing cases to the business court, which will initially consist of two judges, with provisions for their appointment and the assignment of visiting judges. Business court judges will have the same salary and conditions of office as district judges, and jury trials will follow established procedures. Judges are required to issue written opinions to help develop a consistent body of business law, unless the issue is already well-established. The judicial branch will report on the business court's performance to the general assembly by January 1, 2029.