Oklahoma Senate Bill SB777

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/2/21

Caption

Oklahoma Open Meeting Act; clarifying videoconference meetings and notice under certain conditions. Emergency.

Impact

The bill is designed to enhance transparency in local government meetings by making videoconferencing a permissible method for conducting official business. It ensures that meeting notices clearly specify how remote participation will occur and that public access to meetings is maintained. By providing the means for remote attendance, it seeks to encourage greater citizen involvement in governmental proceedings, especially in circumstances where in-person attendance may not be feasible, such as during health emergencies.

Summary

Senate Bill 777 aims to amend the Oklahoma Open Meeting Act to provide clarity on the use of videoconferencing for public meetings. This bill explicitly states that public bodies may hold meetings through videoconferencing as long as all members are audible and visible to each other and the public. It reinforces the need for a quorum to be maintained during such meetings, allowing for flexibility in attendance methods while ensuring that members remain accountable and that the public can participate remotely.

Contention

One notable point of contention within discussions surrounding SB777 is the potential for reduced public engagement if virtual meetings do not meet the expectations for accessibility and transparency. There is concern that while videoconferencing provides more avenues for participation, it may also alienate segments of the population who are less tech-savvy or without reliable access to technology. Additionally, the bill's provisions around remote voting and how materials shared electronically are made available could spark debates about ensuring these processes remain transparent and public.