Bill No. 2163 establishes the Public Access Counselor Unit within the Office of the Attorney General to oversee and facilitate the review of denied open records requests. Individuals whose requests for public records are denied can file for a review within 30 days, provided they submit a written request along with the original request and any responses from the public body. The bill prohibits requests made for commercial purposes from being reviewed and outlines the procedures for the Public Access Counselor to notify the public body and issue binding opinions within a specified timeframe. Additionally, the Attorney General is granted the authority to issue advisory opinions to public bodies regarding compliance with the Oklahoma Open Records Act.

The bill also amends the duties of the Attorney General to include investigating and prosecuting violations of the Oklahoma Open Records Act and the Oklahoma Open Meeting Act, if deemed necessary. It specifies that the Attorney General is not required to produce certain records related to the advisory process and provides immunity to public bodies that comply with the Attorney General's advisements. The legislation aims to enhance transparency and accountability in public records management while ensuring that the Attorney General can effectively enforce compliance with open records laws. An emergency clause is included, allowing the act to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 74-18b
Floor (House): 74-18b
Floor (Senate): 74-18b
Engrossed: 74-18b