SB 870 Summary

• Courts cannot seal records or files related to Title 43 of the Oklahoma Statutes unless specifically authorized by the Oklahoma Constitution or statute.

• Courts must issue written findings of fact and conclusions of law before sealing any Title 43 records, incorporating the specific constitutional or statutory authorization into the order.

• Agreement by parties alone does not justify sealing Title 43 records, and all prior orders sealing such records are declared null and void.

• Any county resident has standing to challenge sealed record orders, with the prevailing party entitled to attorney fees and court costs if the motion is contested.

• The act becomes effective November 1, 2011.