The legislature re-opened our ability to have virtual meetings this
session, but provided that we could only do so "until February 15, 2022, or
until thirty (30) days after the expiration or termination of the state of
emergency declared by the Governor to respond to the threat of COVID-19 to
the people of this state and the public’s peace, health and safety,
whichever date first occurs". 25 O.S. 307.1(C) and 311(A)(9)(c). Yesterday
Governor Stitt signed Executive Order 2021-11 which terminates the state of
emergency related to COVID-19 as of May 4, 2021. The Secretary of State's
website appears to be down right now, but here's a link to the press
release from the Governor's Office
https://www.governor.ok.gov/articles/press_releases/governor-stitt-withdraws-covid-19-state-of-emergen
.
By my math, 30 days from Tuesday, May 4, 2021, would be Thursday, June 3,
2021. Something to keep on all of our radars to the extent our
municipalities are holding virtual meetings.
HB 2644 is out there which would amend the OMA virtual meeting provisions
to take out the deadline tied to the Governor ending the State of Emergency
and replace it with a hard stop date of March 31, 2024. The Bill passed the
house 92-6 back in March, and the Senate adopted an amended version 45-0 on
April 22. So it's back in the House awaiting a final vote. As I am reading
it, the Bill would go into effect immediately upon passage. Sine Die
adjournment has to be by May 28, 2021, so the Bill would have to be passed
(if at all) before the June 3 deadline, but Governor Stitt would still have
to sign it. So that's another thing to keep an eye on.
Matt