The Public School Access and Transparency Act aims to enhance public access to learning materials in Arkansas public schools while amending the Freedom of Information Act of 1967. The bill introduces new definitions and provisions to ensure that learning materials, which include curricula, lesson plans, and instructional resources, are classified as public records. This classification guarantees that residents can access these materials without the risk of copyright infringement claims being used to deny access. Additionally, the bill prohibits custodians of learning materials from entering agreements that restrict public access based on copyright or intellectual property rights.

Key provisions of the bill include the assurance that access to learning materials cannot be denied on copyright grounds, the requirement for custodians to allow physical inspection of digital materials, and the stipulation that access should not be contingent upon signing nondisclosure agreements. The act also emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in public education, ensuring that all residents have the right to examine and copy learning materials used in public schools.

Statutes affected:
SB 572: 25-19-103(7), 25-19-103, 25-19-105