Senate Bill 1041 Summary

• Courts are prohibited from sealing records or files unless specifically authorized by the Oklahoma Constitution or state statute.

• Before sealing any records, courts must issue a written order containing findings of fact, conclusions of law, and citation to the specific constitutional or statutory authority permitting the seal.

• Agreement between parties alone is insufficient grounds to seal records or files.

• Any county resident has standing to challenge sealed records orders, and the prevailing party in such challenges is entitled to attorney fees and court costs.

• Prior orders sealing records in violation of these requirements must be corrected within one year of the effective date or are void; judges found violating this law are subject to impeachment and removal.