Oklahoma House Bill HB1919

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Open records; requests; catalog; Oklahoma Secretary of State; effective date.

Impact

With the implementation of HB1919, there will be a significant change in how open records are handled across Oklahoma. State agencies will be required to systematically track and report on requests, which is expected to improve the efficiency of the public records process. This new requirement may lead to quicker response times and increased accessibility for citizens navigating open records requests. Additionally, it creates a standardized approach that can help ensure consistent treatment of records across various agencies.

Summary

House Bill 1919 aims to enhance transparency and accountability within state agencies by mandating that all open records requests are cataloged in a searchable format on the Oklahoma Secretary of State's website. The bill requires that these records include specific details such as the date on which each request was made. This initiative is part of a broader effort to improve public access to information, allowing citizens to better track and hold government entities accountable for their compliance with open records laws.

Contention

While the bill is generally supported for its potential to boost transparency, there may be concerns regarding the administrative burden it places on the Oklahoma Secretary of State and state agencies to manage and maintain the catalog. Some stakeholders may question the feasibility of implementing and adhering to the new system without sufficient resources or training. Additionally, there may be debates on how this bill balances privacy concerns with the public's right to know, especially regarding sensitive information that may arise in certain requests.