HB 1959 Summary

• Declares it public policy of Oklahoma to protect citizens from application of foreign laws that would violate constitutional rights including due process, freedom of religion/speech/press, and privacy/marriage rights.

• Voids and makes unenforceable any court ruling or arbitration decision that applies foreign law in a way that would deny parties the same fundamental liberties guaranteed by U.S. and Oklahoma Constitutions.

• Voids and makes unenforceable any contract or contractual provision choosing foreign law or foreign jurisdiction if such law would not grant parties the same constitutional protections available under U.S. and Oklahoma law.

• Requires Oklahoma courts to deny forum non conveniens claims if granting such claims would violate fundamental constitutional rights of the non-claimant in a foreign forum.

• Excludes the law's application to corporations, partnerships, LLCs, and other business entities contracting to subject themselves to foreign law outside the U.S., and preserves ecclesiastical autonomy of religious organizations; effective November 1, 2013.