OKLAHOMA CITY – Public bodies in Oklahoma with internet access would be required to livestream and post their meetings online under a bill working its way through the state Legislature.
Senate Bill 1547 would make virtual public meetings a permanent fixture across the state its author, state Sen. Brent Howard said. The measure passed the Senate 45-0 last Tuesday.
Howard’s bill would modify the state’s Open Meetings Act. He said the bill would “require public bodies such as school boards, local municipalities and state agencies to stream and post all public meetings online if they maintain a website and utilize a high-speed internet connection.”
In addition, public bodies in counties with an active state of emergency declaration may conduct executive session via videoconference, he said.
Media representatives said the measure could be a “win-win” situation, provided that the livestreaming requirement is in addition to holding an in-person meeting.
“Holding meetings that are in-person will always be necessary. Virtual meetings should not replace in-person meetings but offering the option to attend and comment virtually sounds like a win-win solution, especially when it comes to transparency and public participation,” said Heide Brandes, president of the Oklahoma Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. “The livestream and virtual component will allow public officials to hear a greater diversity of input and will create more trust among the public. The result is likely to be better public policy, more transparency between our public bodies and its citizenry and better input of diverse ideas.”
Mark Thomas, executive director of the Oklahoma Press Association and a board member of Freedom of Information Oklahoma, said the bill was a welcome addition to state’s existing videoconferencing statutes.
“Senate Bill 1547 provides convenience for the viewing public and citizens who want to be more engaged and knowledgeable about their government,” Thomas said. “Videoconferences will increase as Oklahoma expands broadband access and all Oklahomans will enjoy being able to see their government in action.”
Howard, an Altus Republican, said technology is forcing public entities to evolve.
“Livestreams and remote work are now staples in modern-day life, and we must allow our local and state governments to conduct their business online and in-person,” he said. “This change will be helpful during any future pandemics, natural disasters, and other emergencies, but will also lay the groundwork for a more informed general public.”
Allowing public meetings to be streamed online not only enhances transparency, but also encourages citizens to be more active in their community and state, Howard said. “The more opportunities for citizens to participate in and follow the activities of their schools and government, the stronger our society as a whole.”
Thomas said the goal of the state’s open meetings act was accountability. He said the OPA had previously expressed concerns about public officials who may want to participate from a secret location when a difficult vote is on the agenda, or who may have other persons of influence in the room that are not shown on camera.
“A major part of a person’s public service is facing the electorate when difficult decisions are made,” Thomas said. “There are times when a public official may need to participate in a meeting remotely, as we’ve learned over the last couple of years. Finding the right balance and avoiding abuses is a never-ending effort.”
Senate Bill 1547 is set to be heard by in the House of Representatives soon.