Proposal would affect state agencies and energy-related boards
A newly filed bill in the Oklahoma Legislature could affect how state agencies, commissions, and other public bodies — including those involved in energy regulation — conduct meetings and take official action.
Brian Guthrie, R-Bixby, has filed Senate Bill 1252, legislation that would update the state’s Oklahoma Open Meeting Act by requiring public bodies to provide a reasonable opportunity for public comment on agenda items before any official action is taken.
The proposal applies broadly to public bodies subject to the Open Meeting Act, which includes state boards, commissions, authorities, and agencies that routinely handle matters related to energy development, utility regulation, infrastructure, and environmental oversight.
Lawmaker says public input often comes too late
In announcing the legislation, Guthrie said the bill is intended to address situations where decisions are effectively made before the public has an opportunity to weigh in.
“Too often, public matters are discussed and effectively decided without public input,” Guthrie said. “This legislation strikes a balance between transparency and efficiency, ensuring the public has the opportunity, ahead of any action, to express their views on an agenda item and share how potential action on that item may impact their communities, home, or livelihoods.”
Energy-related issues — including power generation projects, rate cases, transmission approvals, and environmental permits — are frequently handled by boards and commissions operating under the Open Meeting Act, making public access and participation a recurring concern for residents and stakeholders.
Public bodies retain control over meeting procedures
While the bill mandates an opportunity for public comment, it does not eliminate a public body’s ability to manage meetings.
Under Senate Bill 1252, public bodies would be allowed to:
-
Impose reasonable time limits on speakers
-
Require members of the public to sign up in advance
-
Establish procedures to ensure meetings remain orderly and efficient
Supporters say those provisions are intended to prevent meetings from becoming unmanageable while still guaranteeing meaningful public participation.
Measure eligible for 2026 legislative session
Senate Bill 1252 will be eligible for consideration during the 2026 legislative session, which begins February 2. The bill has been filed but has not yet advanced through the committee process.
If approved, the changes would apply statewide and could alter how public comment is handled at meetings involving energy policy, infrastructure planning, and regulatory decisions across Oklahoma.
📌 MORE ENERGY NEWS
Oklahoma bill would expand public comment at meetings
December 18, 2025
Proposal would affect state agencies and energy-related boards
A newly filed bill in the Oklahoma Legislature could affect how state agencies, commissions, and other public bodies — including those involved in energy regulation — conduct meetings and take official action.
Brian Guthrie, R-Bixby, has filed Senate Bill 1252, legislation that would update the state’s Oklahoma Open Meeting Act by requiring public bodies to provide a reasonable opportunity for public comment on agenda items before any official action is taken.
The proposal applies broadly to public bodies subject to the Open Meeting Act, which includes state boards, commissions, authorities, and agencies that routinely handle matters related to energy development, utility regulation, infrastructure, and environmental oversight.
Lawmaker says public input often comes too late
In announcing the legislation, Guthrie said the bill is intended to address situations where decisions are effectively made before the public has an opportunity to weigh in.
Energy-related issues — including power generation projects, rate cases, transmission approvals, and environmental permits — are frequently handled by boards and commissions operating under the Open Meeting Act, making public access and participation a recurring concern for residents and stakeholders.
Public bodies retain control over meeting procedures
While the bill mandates an opportunity for public comment, it does not eliminate a public body’s ability to manage meetings.
Under Senate Bill 1252, public bodies would be allowed to:
Impose reasonable time limits on speakers
Require members of the public to sign up in advance
Establish procedures to ensure meetings remain orderly and efficient
Supporters say those provisions are intended to prevent meetings from becoming unmanageable while still guaranteeing meaningful public participation.
Measure eligible for 2026 legislative session
Senate Bill 1252 will be eligible for consideration during the 2026 legislative session, which begins February 2. The bill has been filed but has not yet advanced through the committee process.
If approved, the changes would apply statewide and could alter how public comment is handled at meetings involving energy policy, infrastructure planning, and regulatory decisions across Oklahoma.
📌 MORE ENERGY NEWS
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