[MainstreetManagers] Open Meetings Bill

[Vicki Davis]

Happy February all!

In our call last Friday, Buffy mentioned that there were several bills regarding revisions to the Open Meetings Law.
Here is a press release that references two of the Bills . . . SB-1031 and SB-1032.  Pro Tem Treat files bill to extend pandemic exemptions to Open Meeting law | Oklahoma Senate (oksenate.gov)<https://oksenate.gov/press-releases/pro-tem-treat-files-bill-extend-pandemic-exemptions-open-meeting-law>

As I understand it, the deadline to submit bills for the February session was 1/21, so I expect to see all relative bills on the table in the next day or two.   [Other bills referenced are SB-277 and HB-2038.  Note:  the bill tracking on the state's website are not updated.]

I encourage you to reach out/or continue communication with any state legislators in your areas.  Simple communications, may include:

1.      What your organization was able to accomplish with the Open Meetings revision in place [allowing your board and committees to meet virtually] to be a resource for small businesses.

2.      How your organization has been effected without the ability to legally meet virtually.

a.     I my case this includes:  decreased meeting attendance; inability to meet in person at our usual meeting location with keeping distancing protocol; etc.

b.     Since this has become an issue at hand for our City Council as well, we are now required (due to receiving City funds, in part) for every committee and even sub-committees to public post and adhere to Open Meeting s Law.

For reference:  here is an excerpt from an email I received from our City Clerk.
Open Meetings Act.  25 OS 304.1 reads in part ""Public body" means the governing bodies of all municipalities located within this state, boards of county commissioners of the counties in this state...and shall include all committees or subcommittees of any public body." . . . . task forces or study groups in this state supported in whole or in part by public funds or entrusted with the expending of public funds. .. . .

I'm not a lawyer but it sure sounds like all of the videoconferencing rules would apply to any of those committee and planning meetings.  https://law.justia.com/codes/oklahoma/2019/title-25/section-25-304/  In 304.2, there may be a question whether a "meeting" is actually being held, but I wouldn't want to rely on that when 304.1 seems very, very clear on the subject.

Have a wonderful week!

Regards, Vicki


[cid:image002.png at 01D5B5AB.437A9600]

VICKI DAVIS
MAIN STREET DIRECTOR
334 ELM AVENUE [OLD MILL PLAZA]
PO BOX 850500
YUKON, OK 73085
O: 405.350.5999
C: 405.482.5641
www.yukonok.gov<http://www.yukonok.gov>


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