State employees ask judge to block the release of birth dates

A group of Oklahoma state employees have asked a county judge to block state offices from releasing the birth dates of employees in response to a newspaper’s public records request, The Oklahoman reported.

The Oklahoman requested the names, titles, payroll information and birth dates of state workers as part of an investigation into the backgrounds of public employees. Several agencies, including the state attorney general’s office, have already complied.

The Oklahoma Public Employee Association asked for a temporary injunction and restraining order to stop the further release of records to the paper, arguing that it would put employees at risk for identity theft. The association also described the newspaper’s request as a "flagrant attempt to circumvent the legislative process" because there is a bill pending before the state Legislature that would exempt birth dates from the state’s public records law.

A hearing is scheduled for April 7.