The Office of the Oklahoma Attorney General, in collaboration with the Oklahoma Press Association, will host seminars on the state's open meeting and open records laws at five locations across Oklahoma starting later this month. This initiative follows a successful series held in 2023.
Thomas R. Schneider, deputy general counsel to Attorney General Gentner Drummond, will lead the seminars. "Aside from the ballot box, these two invaluable acts serve as the most potent insurance for citizens to hold government accountable," Schneider stated. He emphasized that the training provides public body members an opportunity to understand and appreciate these acts' role in safeguarding democracy and maintaining government integrity.
Schneider will address questions about Oklahoma's open meeting and records laws, informing elected or appointed officials about their responsibilities under these statutes. He will also cover requirements related to access to public records and conduct during public meetings.
Attorney General Drummond has prioritized transparency in government. “It is important to establish the standard of transparency to ensure our public officials are acting with honesty and integrity,” he said. He expressed gratitude for his office's staff who are committed to educating others about these laws statewide.
The seminars will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the following locations:
- September 23, 2024: Cameron University, Lawton
- October 7, 2024: High Plains Technology Center, Woodward
- October 21, 2024: Tulsa Technology Center Riverside Campus, Tulsa
- November 18, 2024: Eastern Oklahoma State College, McAlester
- December 16, 2024: Metro Tech Conference Center, Oklahoma City
These sessions are free and open to the public; however, pre-registration is required due to high demand last year. Interested individuals can register at okpress.com/seminars.
Continuing education credits are available for attendees: attorneys can earn three CLE credit hours; new school board members can receive three credit hours from the Oklahoma State Department of Education; new technology center board members can obtain three credit hours from the State Department of Career and Technology Education; law enforcement officials are eligible for three credit hours from the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training.
For more information visit https://okpress.com/page/seminars or call OPA at 1-888-815-2672.