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AR HB1494

AR HB1494
To Create The Arkansas Guidance Out Of The Darkness Act; And To Require State Agencies To Publish Federal Guidance Documents Online.


summary

Introduced
02/17/2025
In Committee
02/17/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
05/05/2025

Introduced Session

95th General Assembly (2025 Regular)

Bill Summary

AN ACT TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS GUIDANCE OUT OF THE DARKNESS ACT; TO REQUIRE STATE AGENCIES TO PUBLISH FEDERAL GUIDANCE DOCUMENTS ONLINE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

AI Summary

This bill creates the Arkansas Guidance Out of the Darkness Act (Ark-GOOD Act), which requires state agencies to publish federal guidance documents online to increase government transparency. The bill defines federal guidance documents as statements from federal agencies that provide policy interpretations or technical insights, excluding formal rules. Under the act, state agencies must create a dedicated webpage within 30 days of receiving a federal guidance document that could potentially influence their operations, policies, or fund administration. For each published document, agencies must provide the full text, receipt date, and a summary of its potential impact. The bill includes several exemptions for confidential, classified, or sensitive documents, such as those with national security implications or containing personally identifiable information. The Auditor of State will be responsible for annually reviewing agency compliance and submitting a report to the Legislative Council. Agency directors will oversee their respective agency's adherence to the law. The bill's underlying intent is to ensure public access to information about federal guidance that might affect state-level decision-making, ultimately promoting government accountability and transparency.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. (on 05/05/2025)

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