The bill amends the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, specifically addressing the requirements for public meetings. It modifies Arkansas Code 25-19-106(a) to stipulate that any meeting involving more than one-third (1/3) of the members of governing bodies—including municipalities, counties, townships, school districts, and various state organizations—must be considered a public meeting. This change aims to enhance transparency and accountability in governmental proceedings.

The amendment clarifies that all formal or informal meetings of these governing bodies, which are supported or funded by public resources, are subject to public meeting requirements, with the exception of grand juries. This adjustment is intended to ensure that a larger number of members' gatherings are open to public scrutiny, thereby reinforcing the principles of open governance.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1610 Original - 3-13-2023 01:40 PM: 25-19-106(a)
Old version HB1610 V2 - 3-28-2023 10:31 AM: 25-19-106(a)
HB 1610: 25-19-106(a)