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HB 1667

TO AMEND THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT OF 1967; AND TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PUBLIC MEETINGS UNDER THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT OF 1967.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mary Bentley and 1 co-sponsor

HB 1667 aimed to expand public meeting definitions in Arkansas, increasing transparency by classifying more government meetings as public, but it died in committee.

Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
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Bill Summary · HB 1667

Summary of House Bill 1667

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: HB 1667
  • Title: To Amend the Freedom of Information Act of 1967; and to Amend the Law Concerning Public Meetings Under the Freedom of Information Act of 1967
  • Status: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment
  • Introduced: March 04, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1667 aimed to amend the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) of 1967 in Arkansas, specifically focusing on the definition and regulations surrounding public meetings. The intent was to clarify and potentially expand the scope of what constitutes a public meeting, thereby enhancing transparency in government operations.

Key Provisions

The bill proposed the following amendments:

  1. Definition of Public Meetings:

    • The definition of "public meetings" was to be updated to include meetings of more than two members of any state bureau, commission, agency, or political subdivision, which includes municipalities, counties, and boards of education.
    • The amendment aimed to ensure that all such meetings, supported wholly or in part by public funds, would be classified as public meetings, with the exception of grand juries.

  2. Public Meeting Regulations:

    • The bill sought to clarify that all meetings—whether formal or informal, special or regular—of more than two members of governing bodies (including municipalities, counties, townships, and school districts) would be considered public meetings, unless otherwise specified by law.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1667 would have:
- Increased the number of meetings classified as public, thereby enhancing public access to governmental proceedings.
- Provided greater transparency in the operations of various government entities in Arkansas, potentially allowing for more public scrutiny and engagement.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Timeline:
    • March 04, 2025: Bill filed and read for the first time; rules suspended for a second reading and referred to the Committee on State Agencies & Governmental Affairs.
    • May 05, 2025: The bill died in the House Committee at Sine Die adjournment, meaning it did not progress to a vote or further consideration.

Conclusion

While HB 1667 aimed to enhance transparency and public access to government meetings in Arkansas, it ultimately did not advance through the legislative process. The proposed changes reflected ongoing discussions about the importance of open government and public participation in the democratic process.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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