In May 2025, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt vetoed three significant transparency-related bills - HB 2167, HB 2166 and HB 2163 - each of which had garnered strong bipartisan support in the Legislature. These vetoes have intensified ongoing tensions between the governor and lawmakers over issues of government accountability and transparency.
House Bill 2167, authored by Rep. John Pfeiffer, aimed to reform the process and cost structure for publishing legal notices in Oklahoma newspapers. The bill sought to modernize publication requirements and adjust associated fees, potentially impacting on how legal information is disseminated to the public.
Despite passing both legislative chambers, Governor Stitt vetoed the bill. As a result, HB 2167 is considered dormant for the remainder of the current session but may be revisited in the next legislative session.
House Bill 2166 proposed updating the statutory definition of a 'legal newspaper,' which would affect which publications are authorized to carry official legal notices. The bill was held by the Senate pending the outcome of the veto override vote on HB 2167.
Given the veto of HB 2167, HB 2166 remains dormant for the current session but is expected to be reconsidered in the next legislative session. House Bill 2163, also authored by Rep. Pfeiffer and Sen. Brent Howard, aimed to enhance government transparency by creating a Public Access Counselor within the Office of the Attorney General.
This position would have been empowered to review complaints regarding public records requests and investigate violations of open records and open meetings laws. Attorney General Gentner Drummond supported the measure, emphasizing its importance in ensuring government accountability.
The bill passed the House with an 80-9 vote and the Senate with a 40-5 vote. However, Governor Stitt vetoed HB 2163, expressing concerns about expanding the Attorney General's authority in this area.
Despite the strong legislative support, the veto has not been overridden, and the bill's future remains uncertain. Governor Stitt's vetoes of these transparency focused bills have drawn criticism from various quarters, including members of his own party.
Attorney General Drummond publicly urged lawmakers to override the veto of HB 2163, highlighting the bill's role in strengthening public access to government information. The vetoes have also contributed to broader tensions between the governor and the Legislature, particularly concerning issues of transparency and the balance of power within state government.
As of now, none of the vetoes have been overridden, and the future of these bills will likely depend on legislative actions in the next session. The debates surrounding these measures underscore ongoing discussions in Oklahoma about government transparency and accountability.