Bill > SB1437

This bill amends Arizona law regarding public records to clarify definitions and procedures for accessing them. It updates the definition of "officer" to include "chairperson" instead of "chairman" and refines the definition of "public body" to more broadly include entities that are supported by or spend public monies. The bill also clarifies that public bodies and officers are responsible for preserving, maintaining, and caring for their public records, and that these records must be protected from loss or destruction unless properly disposed of. Importantly, it establishes that copies of public records should be provided in the least expensive manner possible, with a preference for electronic copies, and that fees for these copies should be based solely on material costs, with exceptions for video recordings from law enforcement agencies and records requested for commercial purposes. The bill also clarifies that a request for a public record is considered denied if the custodian fails to respond promptly or provide an index of withheld records.

Government Affairs

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/85020