The bill amends the Oklahoma Open Records Act to update definitions, inspection and copying procedures, and penalties for violations. Key changes include the modification of the definition of "law enforcement agency" to include state and local fire marshals when investigating potential violations of laws. The bill also introduces new exceptions to keep certain records confidential, such as those related to ongoing civil litigation or criminal prosecution, and allows public bodies to require advance payment for records requests exceeding $75. Additionally, it establishes requirements for the specificity of records requests and allows public bodies to deny requests that are unreasonably vague or open-ended.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the penalties for public officials who willfully violate the Open Records Act, classifying such violations as misdemeanors punishable by fines or imprisonment. It also provides a framework for individuals denied access to records to seek civil relief, including the potential for attorney fees unless the public body acted in good faith. The effective date for these changes is set for November 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 51-24A.3, 51-24A.5, 51-24A.17