Bill > HB2139

This bill amends Arizona law regarding public records to establish clearer response requirements for government entities. It clarifies definitions of "officer" and "public body" and emphasizes the responsibility of public bodies and officers to maintain records. A key provision requires custodians of public records to respond to requests within fifteen business days, and if a request is complex or involves multiple records, they must provide written updates every fifteen business days, including a timeframe for a final response. This response must either provide the disclosable records or a denial explaining the specific legal exemption. The bill also allows individuals denied access to public records to submit a complaint to the office of the ombudsman-citizens aide, in addition to the existing option of appealing through a special action in court. Furthermore, it mandates that acknowledgments of public records requests include an estimated response time and, if necessary, a request for clarification due to vagueness or incompleteness. These changes aim to improve transparency and efficiency in accessing public information.

Government Affairs

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/83785