Officers; nondisclosure agreements; duties; public office; effective date.
Summary
HB2999 creates a new section of Oklahoma law limiting when elected or appointed public officials can be required to sign nondisclosure agreements. Under the bill, a public official cannot be compelled to sign an NDA for matters involving the performance of official duties if the NDA relates to a project that would have a significant impact on the jurisdiction where the project is located or operated. The bill defines “significant impact” to include facilities or operations affecting electrical power usage, water, or other utility infrastructure, and similar factors for at least 10% of the residents in the affected area.
The bill also carves out exceptions. It does not apply to NDAs involving personal matters or matters related to litigation or potential litigation, so long as those matters do not involve duties imposed directly by virtue of the office held. The act is set to become effective November 1, 2026.
Impact
HB2999 would add a new statutory restriction in Title 51 of the Oklahoma Statutes governing nondisclosure agreements involving public officials. It would prevent state and local officials from being required to keep confidential certain information tied to public duties when the underlying project could materially affect local infrastructure or a substantial portion of the community. The practical effect is to increase transparency in major public-impact projects while preserving confidentiality for personal and litigation-related matters.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests strong bipartisan support and little opposition. The bill passed the House Rules Committee 8-0 after amendment and then passed third reading in the House 79-0. No committee transcript is available, but the unanimous votes indicate broad agreement with the bill’s transparency-focused approach.
Contention
The main policy issue appears to be the balance between transparency and confidentiality. Supporters likely favor preventing NDAs from limiting public officials’ ability to discuss major projects affecting utilities and local residents, while any potential concern would be that the bill could reduce confidentiality in negotiations or project planning. The bill addresses that concern by excluding personal matters and litigation-related NDAs, which narrows the scope of the restriction.
Beneficiary public trusts; allowing Commission of Public Safety to enter into interlocal agreements with state beneficiary trusts for certain purpose; granting officer of Department of Public Safety certain authority on certain roads. Effective date.