The proposed bill would amend several sections of the Arizona Revised Statutes related to public meetings and records. Key updates include a requirement for the minutes or recordings of public meetings to be made available online for public inspection within three working days and to remain accessible indefinitely thereafter. Additionally, if a public body meets exclusively through technological devices, it must provide an option for the public to view the meeting both remotely and at a physical location. The Attorney General is mandated to respond to complaints regarding open meeting law violations within 120 days, and public records must be provided in the least expensive manner possible, with a preference for electronic copies.

The bill also clarifies definitions and responsibilities regarding public bodies and records. It specifies that copies of records should be provided upon request, emphasizing cost-effectiveness, and introduces a requirement for courts to review any legal questions regarding public records de novo. Furthermore, it stipulates that notices of regularly occurring meetings do not apply to executive sessions unless all statutory requirements are met. Overall, these changes aim to enhance transparency and accessibility in public governance.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 38-431, 38-431.01, 38-431.02, 38-431.06, 39-121.01, 39-121.02, 39-171, 38-431.03, 41-1279.04, 1-301, 41-151, 41-151.15, 41-151.19, 39-121.03, 39-122, 39-127, 41-1001, 12-349
House Engrossed Version: 38-431, 38-431.01, 38-431.02, 38-431.06, 39-121.01, 39-121.02, 38-431.03, 41-1279.04, 1-301, 41-151, 41-151.15, 41-151.19, 39-121.03, 39-122, 39-127, 41-1001
Senate Engrossed Version: 38-431, 38-431.01, 38-431.02, 38-431.06, 39-121.01, 39-121.02, 38-431.03, 41-1279.04, 1-301, 41-151, 41-151.15, 41-151.19, 39-121.03, 39-122, 39-127, 41-1001, 39-129