HB 2998 Summary

• Designates all court records as public records subject to the Oklahoma Open Records Act unless specifically identified as confidential by statute.

• Permits courts to seal records or portions of records only when a compelling privacy interest exists that outweighs the public's interest in accessing the record.

• Requires courts sealing records to issue a public order containing findings of fact, specific conclusions of law, use of least restrictive means, and narrow tailoring to seal only necessary portions.

• Directs the Supreme Court of Oklahoma to immediately create and may modify rules regulating uniform online display of court records across all counties, with court clerks required to comply.

• Effective date: November 1, 2014.