Section 527. Informal Gatherings or Communications.

No informal gatherings or any electronic or telephonic communications, except teleconferences as authorized by Section 3 of this act, among a majority of the members of a public body shall be used to decide any action or to take any vote on any matter. (25-306)

A single member of a public body may not lawfully meet privately with each other member to obtain signatures on a document and then use that document to take action which otherwise would be required to be considered and voted on in an open meeting. April 2, 1981 (AG Op. No. 81-69)

Open Meeting Act applies when members of public body meet among themselves to discuss appropriation of funds. November 9, 1982 (AG Op. No. 82-212)

 When majority of members of public body are together in an informal setting and begin discussing matters concerning business of public body, discussion comes under auspices of Open Meeting Act. November 9, 1882 (AG Op. No. 82-212)

Section 529. Authorized Teleconferences.

A. No public body shall hold meetings by teleconference except:

1. Oklahoma Futures;
2. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education;
3. The State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision;
4. The State Board of Osteopathic Examiners;
5. The Board of Dentistry;
6. The Variance and Appeals Boards created in Sections 1021.1, 1697 and 1850.16 and the Construction Industries Board created in Section 1000.2 of Title 59 of the Oklahoma Statutes;
7. A public trust whose beneficiary is a municipality; however, no more than twenty percent (20%) of a quorum of the trustees may participate by teleconference and during any such meetings all votes shall be roll call votes;
8. The Native American Cultural and Educational Authority;
9. The Corporation Commission;
10. The State Board of Career and Technology Education;
11. The Oklahoma Funeral Board;
12. The District Attorneys Council;
13. The State Board of Property and Casualty Rates; and
14. The Emergency Medical Services Authority.