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Bill

SB 227

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

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Justin Boyd and 15 co-sponsors

Arkansas updates its 1967 Freedom of Information Act governing public records access and meeting requirements, now law as Act 505 as of April 2025.

Notification that SB227 is now Act 505
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Bill Summary · SB 227

Legislative bill overview

SB 227 amends Arkansas's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) of 1967, modifying provisions related to public access to government information and public meeting requirements. The bill has already been signed into law as Act 505, becoming effective immediately upon the Governor's approval in April 2025.

Why is this important

FOIA amendments directly affect government transparency and the public's ability to access records and attend public proceedings. Changes to these provisions can either expand or restrict citizen oversight of government operations, depending on what modifications were made to the 1967 baseline standards.

Potential points of contention

  • Specific amendments unclear: The bill summary does not detail what specific changes were made to FOIA provisions, making it difficult to assess whether transparency was expanded or restricted
  • Balance between access and privacy: FOIA amendments often involve tensions between maximum public access and legitimate government confidentiality needs (personnel, legal proceedings, security)
  • Implementation costs: Changes to public meeting or disclosure requirements may impose administrative and compliance burdens on local governments and public bodies

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

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