Ryan Holeywell is a staff writer at GOVERNING.
E-mail: rholeywell@governing.comTwitter: @ryanholeywell
State News
Bill Would Expand Open Records Law in Oklahoma
New Oklahoma legislation would expand the state's transparency laws to cover the legislature, the Tulsa World reports.
Two bills introduced by Oklahoma state Sen. David Holt, R-Oklahoma City, would eliminate the state legislature's exemptions from the Open Meetings and Open Records acts.
Holt tells the newspaper he is optimistic that state lawmakers will be receptive to the proposal and it will pass the House this session.
The legislation still includes some exemptions. Caucus meetings wouldn't be subject to the transparency laws, nor would communication with constituents. The names of public employees acting as whistle-blowers could be redacted, as would the identities of any individuals who aren't lobbyists, public officers or employees working in their official capacity.
Holt is a former chief of staff to Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett. He cited his own experience working in city government, which is subject to the transparency laws, the Shawnee News-Star reports.
The legislation would take effect beginning with the 2013 session, according to the News-Star.
Press advocates say the legislature needs more transparency, the Tulsa World reports, but they caution against weakening existing transparency laws in the rush to include the Legislature.
If you enjoyed this post, subscribe for updates.
Twitter: @ryanholeywell
- Most Viewed
- Comments
-
- U.S. AG Holder, Gov. Brownback Spar over Kansas' New Gun Law
"RE: your response to me - I understand your confusion. Our tendency to devalue historical..." - Felons' Voting Rights Could Impact 2012 Election
"well that exulated quickly......" - Motorcycle Deaths Rise as States Rethink Helmet Laws
"How many more lives would be saved if automobile riders would wear helmets. We are talking..." - Colorado Becomes 14th State to Offer Undocumented Immigrants In-State Tuition
"Finally, while I do agree with you that people who cheat the system should not be given..." - Supreme Court to Reexamine Church-State Separation at Government Meetings
"There is everything in the constituation that says laws may not be written such that your..."
- U.S. AG Holder, Gov. Brownback Spar over Kansas' New Gun Law
Training Opportunities
Health Care Reform After the Decision- In this Mercer Report, you’ll learn how different organizations plan to tackle the new requirements of ACA and discover where most employer concerns are focused, who expects to be hardest hit, and how different health plans and Medicaid may impact overall costs.
- Crime Prediction and Prevention
- Accelerating Economic Growth and Vitality
GOVERNING Data
- U.S. City Population Map: 1990-2012
- View an interactive map with updated figures for cities with populations exceeding 50,000.
- Average Hospital Cost By State
- Youth Unemployment Rate, Figures by State
- U.S. County Population Change Map: 2010-2012
- International Migration: U.S. Cities and Metro Area Populations
- Same Sex Marriage Map: State Laws
Events & Webinars
- GOV - Leadership Forum: Georgia - 2013
- May 29, 2013
- The Countdown to Affordable Health Insurance: Time is Running Out!
- June 18, 2013
- Is your state ready for Marketplace open enrollment in October 2013? In a few short months, millions of uninsured Americans will qualify for affordable healthcare coverage either through Medicaid, CHIP or tax subsidies.
Twitter
Facebook
LinkedIn
YouTube
Flickr
RSS
© 2011 e.Republic, Inc. All Rights reserved. |