FOI laws

Arkansas Freedom of Information Act

Public Record--

Any writing, recorded sound, film, tape or data compilation in any form;

All records maintained in a public office or by public employees as part of their duties.

Exempt from disclosure under the FOIA

-state income tax records;

-medical, scholastic, and adoption records;

-site files of the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program and the Arkansas Archeological Survey

-Grand Jury minutes

-Unpublished drafts of judicial or quasi-judicial opinions and decisions

--etc

Arkansas Freedom of Information Act

When may records be inspected?

-Immediately, unless in use or storage;

-Within three (3) working days of the request if in use or storage.

What is a public meeting?

- Any formal or informal, regular or special meeting of a governing body, including sub-bodies, where more than one member is present and business is discussed.

Who must be notified of a called meeting, and when?

-All media entities within the county where the meeting is to be held;

-All media that cover regular meetings and ask to be notified of called meetings.

-At least two(2) hours in advance

Arkansas Freedom of Information Act

When are executive sessions allowed?

-When the topic is the employment, appointment, promotion, demotion, disciplining or resignation of a specific public employee.

Who can attend the executive session?

-If invited by the governing body:

-Top administrator in an agency;

-The employee's immediate supervisor;

-The employee in question;

-Any person being interviewed for the top administrative position in the agency.