Nov. 14 – The Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office is partnering with the Oklahoma Press Association to host a seminar next week in McAlester on Oklahoma’s open meeting and records disclosure laws.
A session is scheduled for November 18 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM on the Eastern Oklahoma State College-McAlester campus in the Clark Bass Building, Room: 215, Conference Center.
It is one of five seminars presented statewide by Thomas R. Schneider, deputy general counsel to Attorney General Gentner Drummond. He will answer questions about the state’s open meeting and records laws, and inform elected or appointed officials of their responsibilities under the laws. Schneider will also discuss requirements regarding access to public records and holding public meetings.
Previous seminars have been held this fall in Lawton, Woodward and Tulsa. The final seminar will take place on December 16 in Oklahoma City.
Drummond has made it clear that openness and transparency in government are among his top priorities.
“It is important to set the standard of transparency to ensure that our government officials act with honesty and integrity,” he said. “I am grateful for the hardworking people in my office who are also committed to these principles, and who work tirelessly to educate others about the Open Meeting and Open Records Acts across the state.”
Continuing education credits are available for participation. Attorneys receive three CLE credit hours. New school board members can earn three credits from the Oklahoma State Department of Education, and new technology center board members can earn three credits from the state Department of Career and Technology Education. Law enforcement officers are eligible for three credits from the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training.
The seminars are free and open to the public, but due to overwhelming demand last year, advance registration is now required. Visit okpress.com/seminars to secure your seat.
For more information, go online to www.okpress.com/seminars or call OPA at (888) 815-2672.
