HB 2593
Initials SJ/AC Page 1 House Engrossed
ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Fifty-sixth Legislature
Second Regular Session
House: GOV DPA 9-0-0-0
HB 2593: public records; time frame
Sponsor: Representative Carbone, LD 25
House Engrossed
Overview
Provides specific requirements relating to public records requests.
History
Public records and other matters transcribed or kept by a public officer must be open to
inspection by any person at all times during office hours. Any person can request to examine
or be furnished copies, printouts or photographs of any public record during regular office
hours or can request that the public records custodian mail a copy of a public record that is
not available on the public body’s website. An entity that is subject to a public records request
must provide the name, telephone number and email address of an employee or department
that is authorized and able to provide the information requested. Within five business days,
the designated employee or department must respond acknowledging receipt of the request
(A.R.S. § 39-121- § 39-171).
Provisions
1. Applies outlined requirements relating to a public records request time frame. (Sec. 1)
2. Asserts that any entity that willfully or intentionally refuses to comply with the
procedures for a public records request or otherwise acts in bad faith, shall receive a civil
penalty of at least $500 and at most $5,000. (Sec. 1, 2)
3. Specifies that a civil penalty does not exclude other penalties or costs including attorney
fees and legal costs. (Sec. 1, 2)
4. Provides that when assessing a civil penalty for refusing to comply with a public records
request, the aggravation or mitigation of the entity and previously assessed penalties for
violations of public records request procedures must be considered. (Sec. 1, 2)
5. Stipulates that, within five business days after a public records request, a notification
must be sent with the following information:
a) confirmation that the request has been received;
b) the name, telephone number and email address of the employee or department
authorized and able to give out the requested information; and
c) the expected date the request will be processed. (Sec. 2)
6. Allows an entity to notify a requestor of a public record of the delay or denial of the
request. (Sec. 2)
7. Makes technical and conforming changes. (Sec. 1, 2)
☐ Prop 105 (45 votes) ☐ Prop 108 (40 votes) ☐ Emergency (40 votes) ☐ Fiscal Note