Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

Oklahoma House Bill HB3780

Introduced
2/5/24  
Refer
2/6/24  
Report Pass
2/13/24  
Engrossed
3/7/24  
Refer
3/19/24  
Report Pass
4/9/24  
Enrolled
4/29/24  

Caption

Oklahoma Open Meeting Act; video conferencing; teleconferencing; expired language; recodification; effective date.

Impact

The enactment of HB 3780 is set to enhance the capacity for public bodies in Oklahoma to conduct their meetings in a manner that accommodates both in-person and remote participation. This flexibility is anticipated to facilitate broader public engagement, as members of the community will have more options to attend meetings without the need to be physically present. The bill mandates that all materials discussed during videoconferencing must also be available to the public in real-time, ensuring that transparency is maintained.

Summary

House Bill 3780 aims to amend the Oklahoma Open Meeting Act by updating the provisions concerning the use of video conferencing and teleconferencing for public meetings. The bill allows public bodies to conduct meetings remotely as long as members are visible and audible to one another and to the public, thereby increasing accessibility for participation. The amendments are designed to streamline the procedures for remote meetings and ensure transparency in governance, particularly in the wake of the adaptations made during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HB 3780 appears to be positive, with support from various stakeholders who value increased access to government proceedings. Advocates believe that the bill modernizes the Open Meeting Act and reflects the changing dynamics of communication in a post-pandemic world. However, concerns have been raised about the potential for reduced accountability or oversight during virtual meetings, particularly if the public does not feel as engaged or informed compared to traditional in-person settings.

Contention

Opposition to the bill primarily centers on the efficacy of virtual meetings in terms of fostering true public interaction and oversight. Critics argue that while the technology can enhance convenience, it may also diminish the quality of deliberation and accountability that in-person meetings provide. Furthermore, there are apprehensions regarding the technical reliability of such platforms and the risks associated with ensuring that all participants can engage without barriers.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK SB1092

Oklahoma Open Meeting Act; removing expired language; authorizing public bodies to conduct meetings by videoconference. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB761

Public meetings; modifying certain requirements and procedures under the Oklahoma Open Meetings Act. Effective date.

OK HB2108

Public meetings; amending Oklahoma Open Meeting Act; public health emergency; virtual meetings; private electronic communications; effective date.

OK SB1055

Oklahoma Open Meeting Act; providing exception for certain quorum requirements for community action agency boards. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB1108

Oklahoma Open Meeting Act; adding Judicial Nominating Commission to definition of public body; establishing purposes for permissible executive sessions. Effective date.

OK HB1371

Oklahoma Open Meeting Act; executive sessions; evaluations by public bodies; effective date.

OK SB704

Oklahoma State University Medical Authority; modifying membership of the Authority; modifying powers and duties of the Authority and the Oklahoma State University Medical Trust. Effective date.

OK HB1920

Open meetings; notices; Oklahoma Secretary of State; effective date.

OK SB644

Public participation at public meetings; clarifying right of the public to exercise First Amendment rights at public meetings; allowing certain time limitations. Effective date.

OK SB526

Teachers; removing and repealing language related to the Teacher and Leader Effectiveness Evaluation System. Effective date. Emergency.

Similar Bills

OK SB1298

Oklahoma Open Meeting Act; authorizing certain executive session and videoconferencing for Tax Commission. Effective date.

OK SB1055

Oklahoma Open Meeting Act; definition of public health emergency; requirements for a public body to conduct meetings utilizing electronic means; quorum requirements; public availability. Effective date.

OK SB1055

Oklahoma Open Meeting Act; providing exception for certain quorum requirements for community action agency boards. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB1664

Oklahoma Open Meeting Act; exempting certain activities for county commissioners from Oklahoma Open Meeting Act; providing exception for modification of meeting location authorizing Statewide Independent Living Council to conduct executive sessions by videoconference; emergency.

OK SB1092

Oklahoma Open Meeting Act; removing expired language; authorizing public bodies to conduct meetings by videoconference. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB1092

Oklahoma Open Meeting Act; removing expired language; authorizing public bodies to conduct meetings by videoconference. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB3415

Open Meeting Act; videoconferencing; prescribing procedures; providing for emergency declarations; effective date.