To Amend The Freedom Of Information Act Of 1967; And To Amend Arkansas Law Concerning Communications Regarding Redistricting By The Board Of Apportionment.
Impact
If passed, SB12 would amend Arkansas Code Title 25 to introduce a new section that mandates that any form of communication (written, electronic, or oral) with the Board of Apportionment must be documented as public records. This would establish a more robust framework for citizens looking to engage with or understand the operations and decisions made by the Board and ensure that such communications do not happen in secrecy. The bill would thus make it increasingly difficult for backdoor dealings to take place and would encourage an environment where public participation and oversight are prioritized.
Summary
Senate Bill 12, introduced by Senator B. King, seeks to amend the Freedom of Information Act of 1967. The primary focus of this bill is to ensure that all communications with the Board of Apportionment are marked as public records and, therefore, are subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act. The intent behind this legislation is to enhance government transparency and accountability by making it clear that interactions with the Board that may affect public policy are accessible to the public as official records.
Contention
A notable point of contention surrounding SB12 revolves around concerns from some stakeholders about the potential risks posed to privacy and the operational effectiveness of the Board of Apportionment. Critics argue that requiring all communications to be public could dissuade individuals from engaging with the Board candidly, fearing that their input may be subject to public scrutiny. This could potentially hinder the Board’s ability to function effectively while ensuring it meets its mandate. Supporters, however, stress that the benefits of accountability and transparency far outweigh these concerns, highlighting the importance of public trust in governmental decision-making processes.
To Define "meeting" Under The Freedom Of Information Act Of 1967; And To Amend The Law Related To Public Meetings Under The Freedom Of Information Act Of 1967.
To Amend The Laws Concerning Open Public Meetings Under The Freedom Of Information Act Of 1967; And To Require Notice Of Public Meetings To Be Published Online.