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HB 1621

TO AMEND THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT OF 1967; AND TO EXEMPT PERSONAL INFORMATION OF ELECTED CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS, JUDICIAL OFFICIALS, ELECTED COUNTY OFFICIALS, ELECTED MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS, AND THEIR IMMEDIATE FAMILY.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jeff Wardlaw

HB 1621 aimed to protect the personal information of elected officials and their families from public disclosure, enhancing their privacy and security.

Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
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Bill Summary · HB 1621

Summary of House Bill 1621

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: HB 1621
  • Title: To Amend the Freedom of Information Act of 1967; and to Exempt Personal Information of Elected Constitutional Officers, Judicial Officials, Elected County Officials, Elected Municipal Officials, and Their Immediate Family.
  • Status: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1621 aimed to amend the Freedom of Information Act of 1967 in Arkansas by introducing exemptions for the personal information of certain public officials and their immediate family members. The intent was to enhance privacy protections for elected officials, judicial officials, and their families, acknowledging the potential risks associated with public disclosure of personal information.

Key Provisions

The bill proposed the following significant changes to the Freedom of Information Act:

  1. Definitions:

    • Elected Constitutional Officers: Includes the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Auditor of State, Treasurer of State, Commissioner of State Lands, and members of the General Assembly.
    • Judicial Officials: Encompasses judges at various levels, including Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and District Court judges.
    • Elected County and Municipal Officials: Defined as officials elected to positions within county and municipal governments.

  2. Exemptions from Public Records:
    The bill specified that the following personal information would not be considered public records:

    • Home addresses and personal phone numbers
    • Email addresses and Social Security numbers
    • Bank account and credit card information
    • Identifying information of children under 18
    • Voter registration information
    • Any other sensitive personal details that could compromise the safety of the officials or their families.

  3. Restrictions on Governmental Entities:

    • Governmental entities would be prohibited from posting or displaying the exempted personal information on public websites or social media accounts.
    • If such information was posted, officials could request its removal, which must be acted upon within three days.

Impact

The proposed legislation would have primarily affected:
- Elected Officials: Providing them with greater privacy and security regarding their personal information.
- Immediate Family Members: Extending protections to the families of these officials, recognizing their potential vulnerability due to their association with public figures.

Legislative Actions and Timeline

  • February 27, 2025: Bill filed and read for the first time.
  • March 17, 2025: The bill was placed on second reading for amendment, and Amendment No. 1 was adopted.
  • May 5, 2025: The bill died in the House Committee at Sine Die adjournment, meaning it did not progress to further consideration.

Conclusion

While HB 1621 sought to enhance the privacy of elected officials and their families by amending the Freedom of Information Act, it ultimately did not advance beyond the committee stage. The discussions surrounding this bill reflect ongoing concerns about the balance between transparency in government and the personal safety of public officials.

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

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