OKLAHOMA CITY – Attorney General Gentner Drummond strengthened government accountability in Oklahoma by launching an online complaint form that allows citizens to seek help when open records requests are denied.
Watonga City Council member Neal Riley wrote, “I believe this new complaint process is a big step forward for transparency in Oklahoma. In Watonga, I’ve seen how hard it can be for citizens to get the records they’re entitled to. Now, our citizens have a real tool, with real authority behind it, to hold government accountable.”
The new form is part of the work of the newly established Public Access Counselor Unit created this year by House Bill 2163. The legislation outlined an independent review process for denied public records requests and, importantly, gave the Attorney General's office authority to seek legal enforcement when government entities fail to comply with open records laws.
'Since taking office more than two years ago, I have been fighting for more transparency, accountability and ethical governance in our state,' said Drummond. 'Oklahomans had no legal recourse if a government agency wrongfully denied their records request, unless they pursued costly litigation. This broken system has silenced legitimate requests and excluded everyday Oklahomans who simply can't afford long legal fights.'
In Watonga there have been multiple complaints of agencies, predominantly the city government, failing to comply with or ignoring requests for what should be an open record.
Under the new system, when government agencies deny or ignore open records requests, Oklahomans can file a complaint. The unit serves as an independent reviewer and provides expert analysis of requests, offering mediation services at no cost if needed. Within 60 days of receiving a complaint, the counselor works with both parties to ensure compliance with Oklahoma's Open Records Act.
To file a complaint with the Public Access Counselor Unit, go to: https://oklahoma.gov/oa g/pac-complaint.