A bill making its way through the state Senate could make violations of the Oklahoma Open Meeting Act more expensive for government entities.
Sen. David Holt (R-Oklahoma City) is the sponsor of Senate Bill 1497. It would allow those suing local governments over violations of the open meeting law to collect attorney fees. The new law would also allow the collection of those fees from the plaintiff if the suit is frivolous.
Holt says his legislation basically puts into law a recent court opinion for violations and allowing action in civil courts.
The Oklahoma Press Association’s Mark Thomas told the Tulsa World Holt's measure “is a great bill.” Thomas says the legislation takes away an incentive for public bodies to violate the law.
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