OKLAHOMA CITY – In an ever-growing virtual world, the Senate gave unanimous approval to Senate Bill 97 Tuesday to allow witnesses in jury and bench trials to testify via videoconferencing. Sen. Michael Brooks, D-Oklahoma City, is the bill’s author.

“Last year, we approved legislation authorizing district courts to utilize videoconference technology in civil and criminal proceedings. It was a much-welcomed change especially in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, so we decided to extend usage for all district court cases,” Brooks said.

Brooks said the state’s Chief Medical Examiner is just one great example of the necessity of the change. The state official testifies in numerous cases around the state each week. Allowing him to testify virtually will help the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner be more efficient, saving time and travel expenses for the agency.

The bill will next be considered in the House where Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, is the House author.