The Arkansas Government Disclosure Amendment proposes to amend the state constitution to enhance government transparency and ensure that public business is conducted openly. It emphasizes the importance of informing citizens about the actions and decisions of public officials, asserting that government transparency is a fundamental right of the citizens of Arkansas. The amendment outlines the procedures for enacting laws related to government transparency, requiring that any such law be proposed by a two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, and subsequently approved by the electorate at the next general election. Additionally, it allows for emergency measures to be enacted immediately under certain conditions, while also ensuring that any referred bill is published as required by the Arkansas Constitution.
Furthermore, the amendment establishes that the state can be held accountable in court for failing to comply with transparency requirements, and it allows for the recovery of attorney fees for citizens who prevail in such actions. It also includes provisions that nullify any conflicting laws or constitutional provisions, while maintaining the powers of the Supreme Court and the General Assembly regarding legislative openness. The amendment is set to take effect on November 4, 2026, and will be presented to voters under the title "Arkansas Government Disclosure Amendment."