Muskogee committee advances ordinance to criminalize publishing identifying information about officers and officials

City counsel (identified in the record as "Miss Spencer") told the committee on July 13 that ordinance 43-08a would add section 54-297 to the Muskogee code to make it a misdemeanor to use a cellphone, computer or other electronic communication device to publish personally identifiable information of peace officers, public officials or crime victims.

Counsel said the municipal ordinance text mirrors newly enacted state statute language and includes examples of items that would be covered, such as home addresses and personal cell numbers. Counsel told the committee that "public officials" under the statute include city council members and their appointees. Staff recommended approval; the committee approved first reading by roll call and later approved a motion to declare the ordinance an emergency, which will accelerate the process for final adoption. The city attorney also presented companion resolutions that update the fee schedule and fines in appendix A to reflect the ordinance changes; the companion resolutions were approved by roll call.

During discussion, a councilor asked whether posting private health information would be covered; counsel confirmed that health information and personal cell numbers separate from city-issued devices are included under the ordinance language.

The committee recorded approval on first reading and the emergency declaration; per the record, the ordinance will return for further consideration and final adoption at the prescribed hearing.