Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

Oklahoma Senate Bill SB858

Introduced
2/1/21  
Refer
2/2/21  
Report Pass
2/18/21  
Engrossed
3/8/21  
Refer
3/22/21  

Caption

Trusts; providing for operation of jail trusts in counties with a certain population. Emergency.

Impact

The introduction of SB 858 signifies a shift towards more protective measures for law enforcement officers in Oklahoma. By requiring personal information to be kept confidential, it aims to enhance their safety and reduce the risk of targeted assaults or harassment. The legislation reflects a growing recognition of the challenges law enforcement officials face and aligns with broader national trends that prioritize the confidentiality of sensitive information. Furthermore, the bill amends existing law by removing limitations on requests made by law enforcement organizations to maintain such confidentiality, thus streamlining the process.

Summary

Senate Bill 858, introduced by Senator Dugger and Representative Talley, aims to enhance the confidentiality protections for law enforcement officers' personal information. The bill mandates that county clerks and treasurers maintain the confidentiality of law enforcement personnel's data, including home addresses and contact information. Importantly, the bill provides a mechanism whereby law enforcement officials must obtain a court order to keep this information confidential, and it prohibits the disclosure of such information unless specifically authorized by law or an authorized party. This act intends to ensure the safety of law enforcement personnel and their families by safeguarding their private information from being publicly accessible.

Sentiment

Discussion around SB 858 was largely supportive, particularly among law enforcement communities and those advocating for officer safety. Supporters argue that the bill is a necessary step in ensuring that officers and their families are protected from potential threats that may arise due to the public availability of their personal information. However, there are concerns among some civil rights advocates about the implications of increased confidentiality measures, fearing it might hinder transparency and accountability in law enforcement practices.

Contention

While the bill has garnered broad support, there are notable points of contention. Critics emphasize the potential limitations this bill could impose on public access to information that might be necessary for community oversight of law enforcement practices. They argue that while the protection of officers is important, an appropriate balance must be struck to maintain public trust and accountability within the law enforcement system. As the bill proposes significant changes to existing provisions about public records, these discussions highlight the ongoing dialogue on privacy versus transparency in law enforcement.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK HB3692

Public trusts; trustees; authorizing compensation and expense reimbursement for certain trustees; effective date.

OK HB1850

Trust; creating the Uniform Trust Code; definitions; creditor claims; revocable trusts; trustees; duties and powers of trustee; trustee liability; severability; effective date.

OK HB2165

Counties and county officers; procedures for operation of county government; interlocal agreements; effective date.

OK SB1432

Oklahoma Education Lottery Act; removing provisions for initial membership of board of trustees; Oklahoma Education Lottery Trust Fund. Emergency.

OK SB1814

Soldiers and sailors; Oklahoma Veterans Centers; specifying establishment of sites; transfer of operations. Emergency.

OK HB1360

Protection from domestic abuse; personal information confidential; Attorney General; Address Confidentiality Program to request certain information to not be made public; effective date; emergency.

OK SB792

Bail bondsmen; stating requirements for accepting collateral, exception to bondsman licensing prohibitions and exoneration of bonds for cash bondsman; providing for state of emergency; requiring cash deposits within certain time. Effective date.

OK SB1522

Crimes and punishments; display of harmful materials; trespass with respect to critical infrastructure facilities; criminal liability for loitering in certain places. Effective date.

OK SB31

Oklahoma Pleading Code; requiring dismissal of certain actions within certain time period. Emergency.

OK HB3039

Law library fees; transfers; Law Library Fund; surplus; board of trustees; civil court fees; effective date.

Similar Bills

OK SB1159

Open Records Act; authorizing the Commissioners of the Land Office to keep certain information confidential. Effective date.

OK HB1014

Public health; records; confidentiality; communicable diseases; students; emergency.

OK HB4198

Officers; Commissioners of the Land Office; open records; exemption; effective date.

OK HB2720

State government; creating the Targeted Violence Prevention Act; authorizing the Department of Homeland Security and Oklahoma Counter Terrorism Intelligence Center to collect, analyze, and disseminate certain information to law enforcement and public safety agencies; codification; emergency.

OK SB405

Midwifery; clarifying appointment procedure and terms of members of Advisory Committee on Midwifery; investigation; confidential records. Effective date.

OK SB766

Office of Homeland Security; creating the Targeted Violence Prevention Act. Emergency.

OK SB8

Oklahoma Firefighters Pension and Retirement System; providing for benefits increase.

OK SB543

Insurance; creating the Insurance Data Security Act. Effective date. Emergency.