Bill > HB3278

This bill amends the Open Meeting Act, which requires public bodies to conduct their business in public. The key change allows the Attorney General to address violations of this Act without immediately resorting to criminal charges or civil lawsuits. Specifically, the Attorney General can now enter into a "consent order," which is an agreement with a public body to resolve a violation, potentially including required training for first-time offenders or civil penalties of up to $150 for repeat offenses, and a commitment to comply with the Act. Alternatively, the Attorney General can issue a "finding of violation," which is a formal determination that the Act was broken and can require the public body to stop violating the law, comply with its provisions, undergo training, and pay a civil penalty of up to $300 per violation. The Attorney General can also demand proof that these orders or findings have been followed. If a public body fails to comply, the Attorney General can ask a district court to enforce the order or finding, and the court can then issue its own order for compliance, impose civil penalties, and require the public body to pay court costs and attorney fees for the Attorney General, especially if the violation was not made in good faith. The bill also clarifies how these findings are served and defines which district court has jurisdiction for different types of public bodies. This bill will become effective on January 1, 2027.

Justice

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb3278&Session=2600