Bill
Bill > HB2163
OK HB2163
OK HB2163Open records; public access counselor; review; subpoena; Attorney General; binding opinion; advisory opinion; emergency.
summary
Introduced
02/03/2025
02/03/2025
In Committee
04/08/2025
04/08/2025
Crossed Over
03/26/2025
03/26/2025
Passed
05/29/2025
05/29/2025
Dead
Vetoed
05/12/2025
05/12/2025
Veto Overridden
05/29/2025
05/29/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An Act relating to open records; creating the Public Access Counselor within the Office of the Attorney General; allowing certain persons to file review of denial of open records requests with the Public Access Counselor; providing instructions for filing; prohibiting filings made for a commercial purpose; establishing procedures for review of requests; directing Public Access Counselor to notify public body; requiring certain furnishing of records; permitting subpoena by the Attorney General; prohibiting disclosure of certain protected information; allowing public body chance to respond to request; directing binding opinions be made within certain time frame; permitting Attorney General to choose other means for resolving review requests; permitting parties to file in district court; directing for notification of certain proceedings; permitting the Attorney General to issue advisory opinions to public bodies regarding compliance; exempting certain failures to comply made under good faith; 74 O.S. 2021, Section 18b, as last amended by Section 170, Chapter 452, O.S.L. 2024 (74 O.S. Supp. 2024, Section 18b), which relates to duties of the Attorney General; modifying duties related to violations of the Oklahoma Open Records Act and the Oklahoma Open Meetings Act; providing for codification; and declaring an emergency. SUBJECT: Open records
AI Summary
This bill establishes a Public Access Counselor Unit within the Oklahoma Attorney General's Office to help resolve disputes related to open records requests. The new law allows individuals who have been denied access to public records to file a review request with the Public Access Counselor within 30 calendar days of the denial. The Counselor will review the request and can forward it to the public body, which must respond within seven business days. The Attorney General will then issue an advisement within 60 calendar days, either directing the public body to comply with open records laws or explaining why no further action is required. The bill prohibits commercial purpose requests and allows the Counselor to deny future reviews for multiple frivolous requests. Additionally, the bill modifies the Attorney General's duties to explicitly include investigating and prosecuting civil or criminal actions related to violations of the Oklahoma Open Records Act and Open Meeting Act. The legislation aims to improve transparency and provide a clear process for resolving public records access disputes, with protections for both requesters and public bodies, and grants the Attorney General more specific enforcement powers in open records matters.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs, Justice
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Filed with Secretary of State (on 05/29/2025)
Official Document
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