Send Okla. House to hear legislative 'sunshine' bill

Posted: 11:18 AM Mar 12, 2012
Reporter: By: SEAN MURPHY, Associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The Oklahoma Legislature is considering this year what many freedom-of-information advocates consider an historic achievement: requiring lawmakers to have nearly all of their meetings and records open to the public.

When the Legislature developed the state's Open Meeting Act in 1977, and the Open Records Act about a decade later, lawmakers specifically exempted themselves from the so-called "sunshine" laws.

With the backing of House Speaker Kris Steele, Guthrie Republican Rep. Jason Murphey managed to get his bill subjecting the Legislature to more openness through a House committee. It's expected to receive a hearing before the full House next week.

The head of the Oklahoma Press Association Mark Thomas says the proposal would be the most significant legislative transparency action in state history.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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