Courtrooms across the state will now be allowed to use videoconferencing in district court proceedings after being signed by the Governor.

House Bill 3756, authored by Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, authorizes the use of videoconferencing technology in all stages of civil or criminal proceedings except in jury trials or trials before judges.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has really highlighted the flexibility and usefulness offered by videoconferencing,” Miller said.

Scott Crow, director of the Dept. of Corrections, expressed support for videoconferencing in a letter to Oklahoma district court judges. The Oklahoma Sheriffs’ Association also asked Gov. Stitt in a letter to sign the legislation.

The bill will become effective Nov. 1.