OPMA Basics
This is the type of body (boards, councils, & commissions created by statute) that OPMA applies to.
What is a governing body?
Declaring that "the people do not yield their sovereignty to agencies", this law gives the public broad access to government documents.
What is the Public Records Act.
These types of meetings allow the governing body to meet privately under limited, specifically allowed circumstances.
What are executive sessions?
These identifiers, like SSNs and drivers license numbers are exempt from disclosure.
What is personal identifying information?
This common OPMA mistake happens when a quorum discusses agency business through email.
What is an improper serial/rolling meeting?
Under OPMA, this term refers to any gathering where a majority of a governing body discusses agency business.
What is a meeting?
Agencies must provide the "fullest assistance" and "timely action" when responding to these.
What are public records requests?
Executive sessions may be held to discuss this type of personnel matter, but not to make final decisions.
What is evaluating job performance?
To lawfully withhold or redact documents, an agency must provide this type of explanation listing exemptions.
What is an exemption log?
PRA requires agencies to conduct these searches that are "reasonable" and "adequate".
What are record searches?
OPMA requires that these be posted publicly, at least 24 hours in advance of a special meeting.
What is a meeting notice?
This is the maximum number of business days an agency has to respond initially to a public records request.
What is five business days?
This kind of meeting, held by phone, email, or text, can still violate OPMA if a quorum communicates.
What is a serial or rolling meeting?
Drafts & notes are only exempt if they fall under this limited exemption.
What is the deliberative process exemption?
This must be balanced with transparency when determining if records should be withheld for privacy concerns.
What is the public interest?
This is the minimum number of members needed for a governing body to conduct business subject to OPMA.
What is a quorum?
Agencies may withhold records only if these are cited and explained in the response.
What are exemptions?
OPMA requires that the public be allowed to attend meetings, and have an opportunity to comment/give input on decision making.
What is the right to speak or comment?
What types of student records are protected from disclosure under state and federal law.
What are education records (FERPA)?
Under OPMA, a governing body cannot take this type of action unless in an open public meeting.
What is final action (voting/decision making)?
OPMA violations can lead to personal penalties for members only if this element is proven.
What is intent to violate the law?
These penalties, up to $100 per day, may be awarded if an agency wrongfully withholds records.
What are statutory penalties?
These written records must be promptly recorded and open to public inspection following an OPMA meeting.
What are meeting minutes?
The PRA does not require agencies to do this, such as creating new documents or compiling information.
What is creating records?
Agencies often need these policies and trainings to reduce the risk of PRA and OPMA violations.
What are compliance policies and annual training?