Gillespie, Hildebrant Examine Courtroom Transparency, Accountability

OKLAHOMA CITY –Sen. Christi Gillespie, R-Broken Arrow, and Rep. Derrick Hildebrant, R-Catoosa, held a joint interim study Wednesday examining ways Oklahoma can improve transparency and accountability in its courtrooms.

The study focused on whether modern audio and video technology could help address Oklahoma’s growing shortage of court reporters and provide greater public access and transparency to court proceedings while still protecting due process, victims and the integrity of the judicial process.

“Transparency and due process should never be competing priorities,” Gillespie said. “Oklahomans deserve accuracy in their judicial system and confidence that what happens in our courtrooms is factually preserved.”

A pilot program discussed during the study would allow audio and video recording technology in a minimum of 12 courtrooms where court reporter vacancies exist. The proposed pilot would require technology upgrades in participating courtrooms, with an estimated cost of $2.3 million.

The technology would serve as a supplemental record and would not replace court reporters. Court reporters would continue to certify official transcripts and maintain the authenticated court record. Oklahoma has considered courtroom recording technology before.

"Wednesday’s discussion gave us a better understanding of the issue and the different perspectives surrounding it so that we can see the full picture,” said Rep. Hildebrant. “We had a lot of knowledgeable people in the room who raised important points and gave us plenty to think about. While other states have taken similar approaches, our focus needs to be on finding the best approach for our state and Oklahomans."

District 9 District Attorney Jeremiah Gregory said technology could provide another layer of accountability. He said social media and false information can fill the gaps when people can’t see for themselves what took place.

Additional presenters include Oklahoma Supreme Court Chief Justice Dustin Rowe, District 12 District Attorney Matt Ballard and Grand Jury Justice President Teresa Teran.

The study also examined technology costs associated with adding cameras to all courtrooms.

Gillespie and Hildebrant said they will continue examining this issue before determining what changes should be made to Oklahoma law. The two lawmakers worked on this issue in the past and plan to refile legislation on courtroom transparency for the 2027 legislative session.

In 1997, the Legislature initially passed legislation authorizing a pilot program allowing videotape equipment to be used in courtrooms.