Public participation and transparency are fundamental pillars of a democratic society. To uphold these principles, various statutes and regulations have been enacted to govern the conduct of public bodies and their meetings. One such crucial provision is the December Rule, outlined in the statute governing public notice for meetings in the state of Oklahoma.
The December Rule, as specified in the statute, mandates that all regularly scheduled meetings of public bodies must be preceded by public notice. The key focus of this rule is on providing ample time for the public to be informed about upcoming meetings, fostering civic engagement and participation. Let’s delve into the specifics of the December Rule and its implications.
Annual Notice Requirement:
The statute requires all public bodies to submit written notice by December 15 of each calendar year, outlining the schedule for the upcoming year. This notice should include details such as the date, time, and place of regularly scheduled meetings. The aim is to establish a predictable schedule for the public, promoting accessibility to government proceedings.
Different Levels of Government:
The statute recognizes the diverse nature of public bodies, extending the notice requirement to state, county, and municipal levels. State public bodies, including public trusts, must provide notice to the Secretary of State. Similarly, county and municipal public bodies should notify the county clerk and municipal clerk, respectively.
Record Keeping and Changes:
To enhance transparency, the Secretary of State and county or municipal clerks are required to maintain a public register of received notices. Any changes to the schedule must be communicated at least ten days in advance to the relevant authority.
