HB2163

Oklahoma HB2163 establishes a Public Access Counselor within the Attorney General's office to review denials of public records requests.

Oklahoma HB2163 creates the Public Access Counselor within the Office of the Attorney General to review requests for public records. The Counselor reviews whether a public body properly denied a request, focusing on whether the request was for commercial purposes. The Counselor can issue binding opinions within 60 days, and parties can file suit in district court if unsatisfied. The Attorney General can also issue advisory opinions to public bodies. The bill declares an emergency, allowing it to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.