Bill > SB227

This bill amends the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act to provide more detailed definitions and stricter requirements for public meetings and communications among members of governing bodies. The bill introduces new definitions for terms like "background and nondecisional information," "cybersecurity," "deliberation," "informal meeting," and "poll," and establishes more comprehensive rules for how public meetings must be conducted. Key provisions include requiring prior notice of public meetings, mandating that meetings be recorded, ensuring public access (both in-person and remote), and placing significant restrictions on communications between governing body members outside of official public meetings. The bill prohibits "polls" designed to determine voting intentions and restricts informal meetings that involve deliberation of official business. It also provides mechanisms for circuit courts to invalidate actions taken in violation of these new rules, such as voiding decisions made in improperly conducted executive sessions or actions resulting from prohibited communications. These changes aim to increase transparency and prevent government bodies from conducting business outside of public view.

Government Affairs

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=sb227&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R