Public comment section at an open meeting is not required, but it is encouraged. Citizen comments could ordinarily fall within the definition of "new business" although action taken should be deferred to a subsequent meeting as opposed to taking action during the new business portion of the meeting.

The board of directors of a Rural Ambulance Service District is entrusted with the expending of public funds, and therefore is a public body subject to the OMA.

The provisions of the OMA, including those providing for a majority vote of a quorum of the members present for meetings in executive session, are applicable to the Board of Regents of Seminole Junior College.

The agricultural commissions, such as the Wheat, Peanut, and Soybean Commission are subject to the OMA and the ORA.

This opinion briefly analyzes 1983 OK AG 154's analysis of the OMA while pertaining district ambulance services. NOTE: Further review 1983 OK AG 154.

This opinion analysis how meetings of trustees of a public trust must comply with the OMA and the Administrative Procedures Act.

When a subordinate entity, created by a parent entity that is subject to the OMA, exercises actual or de facto decision-making authority, the subordinate entity must comply with the OMA. It is a question of fact whether the subordinate entity has decision-making authority.

When a subordinate entity reviews and eliminates bids for contracts from consideration by a parent entity, then the subordinate entity is exercising actual or de facto decision-making authority and is subject to the OMA.

The OMA does not include hearings before the Oklahoma State Board of Public Accountancy when it acts in a quasi judicial manner. The deliberation and final decision of the Boards are not required to be conducted and reached in open meeting. NOTE: this is codified in 25 O.S. § 307(B)(8).

An EMS district's board of trustees is considered a public body as defined by the OMA - the meeting of the board of trustees must comply with the OMA. NOTE: This was referenced in 1984 OK AG 149 under further clarification.

The OMA applies: when members of a public body meet among themselves to discuss public matters; when members of a public body meet with an expert to gain insight on a matter; when they are together in an informal setting but begin discussions concerning public matters; and when voting.

Local school boards are not authorized under the OMA to hold any executive sessions to hear parental complaints or grievances, except where the board is considering the expulsion or suspension of a student as provided in 25 O.S. § 307.

All matters to be discussed by a public body must be listed on the agenda, including a proposal for an executive session, which must contain sufficient information to advise the public on the proposed session. May also go into session with its attorney. NOTE: codified at 25 O.S. § 311(B).

The purpose of the notice requirement of the OMA is to provide the public with advance notification of the date, place and time for all regularly scheduled meetings of a public body. Special meeting notice has the same purpose but also must include an agenda, which provides a factual explanation.

The determination of whether the Council has actual or de facto decision-making power and if the work performed is public in nature is a question of fact.