Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond has launched an online tool to help residents address denied public records requests. According to the Office of the Oklahoma Attorney General, the tool provides a resource for citizens seeking access to records under the state’s Open Records Act.
Part of a wider initiative called the Public Access Counselor Unit, this online complaint form was established through House Bill 2163, created this year. The law gives the Office of the Oklahoma Attorney General authority to take legal action against government entities that do not comply with records requests. “Since taking office more than two years ago, I have been fighting for more transparency, accountability and ethical governance in our state,” Attorney General Drummond said. Before this bill, there was no legal process for Oklahomans to challenge rejected records requests, according to the state’s website.
Oklahoma has established a Public Access Counselor Unit to help resolve disputes over public records requests at no cost. The unit reviews cases and mediates between citizens and government agencies within 60 days to support compliance with the state’s Open Records Act. “Oklahomans had no legal recourse if a government agency wrongfully denied their records request, unless they pursed costly litigation. This broken system has silenced legitimate requests and excluded everyday Oklahomans who simply can't afford long legal fights,” the Office of the Oklahoma Attorney General stated.
