Legislation designed to safeguard Oklahoma’s legal system from foreign influence has been signed into law by the governor. 

House Bill 2619, authored by Rep. Erick Harris, R-Edmond, and known as the Foreign Litigation Funding Prevention Act, increases transparency in civil litigation and prevents foreign adversaries from covertly funding lawsuits in Oklahoma courts. The new law requires that commercial litigation funding agreements be disclosed during litigation proceedings. 

"I appreciate the governor's support of this measure," Harris said. "It is essential that we preserve the sanctity of our courts and keep them free from corruption by foreign powers seeking to manipulate outcomes for their own gain. By requiring full transparency in commercial litigation funding, we are reinforcing trust in our legal institutions and taking a proactive step to defend our sovereignty and uphold the rule of law." 

In addition to requiring disclosure of litigation funding agreements, the law mandates that parties reveal whether a foreign government or its entities are, have been or will be involved in financing such agreements.

HB2619 takes effect Nov. 1.