Senate Bill 491, the bill which widens the scope of what public bodies can discuss during executive sessions dealing with property transactions, won final approval in the Oklahoma House and is now heading to the Governor’s desk. Currently, public bodies are only allowed to discuss a purchase or appraisals of real property during executive sessions. SB 391 would allow them to discuss the sale, lease, or acquisition of real property.
“This is a straightforward and necessary update to the Open Meeting Act. It ensures public bodies can handle all real estate transactions with consistency, confidentiality and care, while maintaining the public’s trust,” said Representative Derrick Hildebrant, who carried the measure in the House.
“Today, many of these negotiations happen informally between a mayor and vice mayor, excluding the full governing body. This change allows all elected members to participate in sensitive discussions, which leads to better decision-making and stronger local accountability,” added the Catoosa Republican.
Senator Brian Guthrie authored the bill in the Senate.
“This update to the Open Meetings Act ensures public bodies can negotiate real estate transactions in the best interests of Oklahoma taxpayers,” Guthrie said. “By allowing local authorities to enter executive session to consider leases, sales, or acquisitions, they will have greater ability to protect sensitive information, avoid undermining negotiations, and ensure better outcomes for the public. I’m proud to see this bill advance, and look forward to it being signed into law, ultimately enabling local officials to be effective stewards of taxpayer dollars.”
