Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1392

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/8/22

Caption

Oklahoma Open Records Act; requiring written notice when records request cannot be completed within a specified time. Effective date.

Impact

The enactment of SB1392 is expected to strengthen public access to government records, making the process more efficient and user-friendly. By instituting a structured timeline for responses to records requests, this legislation could reduce public frustration and delays experienced in accessing governmental documents. It emphasizes the importance of timely communication from public officials, thereby potentially fostering a culture of transparency within state operations. Consequently, these changes may lead to increased scrutiny and engagement from citizens regarding governmental activities.

Summary

Senate Bill 1392 amends the Oklahoma Open Records Act, specifically regarding the protocols for inspecting and copying public records. The legislation requires that if a records request cannot be completed within five business days, the public body must provide written notice to the requester. This notice should explain the reason for the delay and give a date by which the records will be available for inspection or copying. By mandating timely communication regarding delays, the bill aims to enhance transparency and ensure that public bodies remain accountable in meeting records requests.

Contention

While the bill is designed to optimize the process of public records access, there may be concerns regarding how public bodies interpret the timelines for compliance. Some advocates might argue that the bill does not go far enough in addressing the root issues of transparency and may still leave room for excessive delays in certain scenarios. Additionally, there may be discussions about the potential burden placed on public bodies to adhere to the new requirements, particularly if they are under-resourced. Balancing the right to access information with the operational capabilities of public bodies could be a point of contention as the bill is implemented.