Arkansas transparency legislation

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This page covers legislation related to transparency in government proposed in Arkansas.

2011

• In February 2011, the Arkansas State Senate passed SB 221 - The Arkansas Financial Transparency Act. This bill mandated the creation of a public database of state government expenditures.

2009

• House Bill 1049 was one of several bills proposed by Rep. Daniel Greenberg (R) that were designed to strengthen the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act. It provided for review of FOIA denials by the attorney general's office. It was referred to the State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee in the House in January of 2009. The bill did not advance beyond the committee.

• House Bill 1050 required that new laws creating FOIA exemptions must identify with specificity which records or meetings the law exempts. Rep. Greenberg said, “This is kind of a blinking red light, so that from now on when somebody tries to narrow the FOI, at least we’ll know”. After failing to pass the House initially, the bill was approved by the House on January 27, 2009. The Senate State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee endorsed HB 1050, and it proceeded to the Senate for a vote. HB 1050 was signed into law by Gov. Mike Beebe (D) on February 19, 2009.

• House Bill 1051, would allow access to criminal records for certain individuals. It was defeated 56-33 in the House, and a request by the sponsor to return the bill to committee was refused.

• House Bill 1052, would prohibit retaliation against government employees that file FOIA requests. It became law on April 3, 2009.

• House Bill 1053 , known as "The Open Checkbooks in Government Act," would create an online database of state expenditures. It did not advance beyond the State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee.

• House Bill 1091 broadened the reasons for which a school board may go into executive session. It became law on April 13, 2009.

• House Bill 1326, sponsored by Rep. Lindsley Smith (D), is a revised version of a bill that failed to pass in 2007. HB 1326 would allow FOIA plaintiffs that filed claims with the Arkansas State Claims Commission to recover attorney fees in successful cases. It became law on March 19, 2009.

• House Bill 1623 sought to prevent the disclosure of information regarding concealed weapon carry licenses. It passed the House Judiciary Committee and moved to the House, where 54 members signed on as co-sponsors. HB1623 passed the House 98-1. It passed the Senate 34-0 and returned to the House for concurrence on an amendment. It became law on April 13, 2009.

• House Bill 2091 sought to establish transparency in the bidding process for publicly funded buildings, infrastructure, and facilities. It was introduced in March of 2009. The bill did not advance beyond committee.

• Senate Bill 55 sought to increase transparency related to the salary of administrators in state-funded higher education institutions. It became law on March 9, 2009.

• Senate Bill 251 would have prohibited the release of information about motor vehicle accidents for commercial purposes until 90 days after the accident. The Arkansas Sheriffs Association and the Association of Arkansas Counties opposed the measure, saying that it "attacks a part of the foundation" of the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

• Senate Bill 943 sought to improve parents' access to public school data on achievement gaps and on public school plans to close achievement gaps. The bill was made law on April 13, 2009.