By Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond
When I took the oath as Attorney General, I made a commitment to the people of our state that I would fight for transparency, accountability and ethical governance. Today, I’m proud to highlight two critical pieces of legislation passed this year that will help fulfill that promise and restore Oklahomans’ faith in their government.
House Bill 2163 created the Public Access Counselor Unit within my office, fundamentally changing how Oklahomans can access the public records they have a right to see. For too long, citizens seeking government transparency have faced a frustrating choice: accept a denied records request or file an expensive lawsuit. This all-or-nothing approach has left many legitimate requests unanswered and has shut out ordinary citizens who cannot afford lengthy legal battles.
The Public Access Counselor will serve as an independent reviewer when government agencies deny or ignore open records requests. This unit gives Oklahomans the opportunity for an expert to review their request and, if needed, mediation at no cost to the requestor. Within 60 days of receiving a complaint, the counselor will work with both parties to ensure compliance with Oklahoma’s Open Records Act.
HB 2163 went into effect immediately, and my office has already launched a process by which citizens can register their open records complaints on our website.
Another critical measure passed this legislative session tackles a different but equally important challenge. HB 2164 prevents public officials from using their positions for personal gain, as it strengthens our state’s bidding and purchasing laws while establishing clear penalties for violations.
This comprehensive ethics reform upgrades certain corruption crimes from misdemeanors to felonies, sending a strong message that self-dealing will not be tolerated. State employees who personally benefit from contracts they help negotiate or approve will face termination and a lifetime ban from holding public office. Those who use non-public information for personal gain or to benefit family members face up to five years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
The bill, which takes effect Nov. 1, also requires new state agency heads to complete ethics training within their first year. This isn’t about questioning anyone’s integrity. Instead, it simply ensures all public servants understand their obligations and can identify potential conflicts before they become problems.
Oklahoma has witnessed too many instances where the lack of clear ethical guidelines and enforcement mechanisms has led to questionable practices. That’s why these reforms were necessary. The fiasco where a sole bidder landed a lucrative state contract from the state Department of Tourism and Recreation could have been prevented if those involved had received ethics training. Situations like the one at the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission, in which personal relationships influenced contract awards, also highlighted the need for mandatory disclosure requirements.
These two bills work hand-in-hand to create a more accountable, ethical and transparent government. Even though both were vetoed by Gov. Stitt, your legislators overwhelmingly supported these bills and overrode the misguided vetoes. Their actions demonstrate that transparency and ethics aren’t partisan issues – they’re Oklahoma values.
When government operates openly and ethically, everyone benefits. Economic development thrives when businesses know they’ll compete on a level playing field. Citizens trust their institutions when they can see how decisions are made. Public servants can focus on their mission rather than navigating ethical gray areas.
Oklahoma deserves nothing less than a government that operates with integrity and transparency. With these new tools, we’re well on our way to achieving that goal.
