Advisory council receives yearly Open Public Meetings Act, GRAMA and conflict-of-interest training

Shane Stroud from the Attorney General’s office gave the OHP advisory council its required annual training on the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA), GRAMA, and conflicts of interest.

Stroud outlined the four key OPMA requirements: proper public notice, public access to meetings, conducting business in an open and transparent manner, and retention of appropriate records. He said the most common risks for advisory councils are (1) conducting deliberations off the record at social gatherings or trail rides, and (2) improperly closing meetings. He noted a closed meeting is allowed only in narrow circumstances, requires a two‑thirds vote, and must be recorded and justified on the public record.

On GRAMA, Stroud explained types of records and the difference between public and non‑public records, emphasizing that council members’ personal emails or notes may still qualify as records if connected to council work. He recommended separate email accounts for council business and said members should avoid sharing non‑public documents outside the council.

Stroud briefly covered conflicts of interest and said members should disclose direct financial interests and generally recuse themselves from votes that could confer a direct benefit. He offered to work with members and staff on specific questions.

Ending: Council members asked scenario questions — about using social media to solicit input, soliciting technical advice from community members, and researching applicants — and Stroud and division staff advised them to consult staff before acting. The training closed with staff offering individualized follow-up and forms to complete required disclosures.