In re Videoconferencing and Teleconferencing in Meetings of Boards and Committees of the Judiciary

Summary

The Oklahoma Supreme Court authorizes judicial branch boards, committees, task forces, and working groups to conduct meetings and proceedings by teleconference or videoconference. The order also amends disciplinary hearing rules for the State Boards of Examiners of Certified Shorthand Reporters and Certified Courtroom Interpreters.

Holdings

1. The Oklahoma Open Meetings Act does not apply to the proceedings of boards, committees, task forces, or other groups established by or through the state judiciary because the judiciary is exempt from the statutory definition of a public body.
2. At the discretion of each group's chairperson, teleconferencing and videoconferencing are authorized for judicial branch boards, committees, task forces, and other working groups, including the groups identified in the order and any subcommittees.
3. The amended rules authorize the State Board of Examiners of Certified Shorthand Reporters and the State Board of Examiners of Certified Courtroom Interpreters to permit teleconferencing and videoconferencing at the chairperson's discretion during any stage of disciplinary proceedings, subject to the specified district-court videoconferencing provisions.

Questions Presented

1. Whether judicial branch boards, committees, task forces, and other working groups may conduct meetings and proceedings by teleconference or videoconference.
2. Whether the Oklahoma Open Meetings Act applies to proceedings of boards, committees, or other groups established by or through the state judiciary.
3. What amendments should govern the use of teleconferencing and videoconferencing in disciplinary proceedings before the State Board of Examiners of Certified Shorthand Reporters and the State Board of Examiners of Certified Courtroom Interpreters.

Disposition

other