The bill amends the Freedom of Information Act of 1967 to clarify the timeframe in which individuals can seek an opinion from the Attorney General regarding the decisions made by public-records custodians about the release of certain public records. Specifically, it modifies the existing language in Arkansas Code 25-19-105(c)(3)(B)(i) to establish that if the subject of the records cannot be contacted within a specified period, the custodian must send written notice via overnight mail to the subject's last known address.

Additionally, the bill changes the timing for when a custodian, requester, or subject of the records can seek an opinion from the Attorney General. The previous requirement for seeking an opinion "immediately" has been replaced with the stipulation that it can be done "before the close of the Office of the Attorney General the following business day." This amendment aims to provide clearer guidelines and ensure timely responses regarding public records decisions.

Statutes affected:
HB 1099: 25-19-105(c)
Act 36: 25-19-105(c)