Arkansas Freedom of Information Act Protects Transparency for Decades

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, signed into law in 1967, is widely regarded as one of the strongest open-records laws in the country. The law allows Arkansas residents and in some cases nonresidents to request a wide range of public records from most state and local government agencies, with some exceptions. Agencies must generally make records available immediately unless they are in active use or storage, and they must explain the reason if a request is denied.

Why it matters

The Arkansas FOIA is a crucial tool for government transparency and accountability, enabling citizens to monitor the actions of their elected officials and hold them responsible. Sunshine Week, an annual nationwide celebration of access to public information, highlights the importance of laws like the FOIA in promoting an informed citizenry and a well-functioning democracy.

The details

Under the Arkansas FOIA, records must generally be made available immediately unless they are in active use or storage. In those cases, the agency has up to three business days to produce the documents. Some exceptions exist, such as the 'unpublished memoranda, working papers and correspondence' of certain officials, but communications sent to non-exempt agencies may still be obtainable through those agencies. Agencies are required to explain the reason if a request is denied, and requesters can challenge those decisions in state court.

• The Arkansas Freedom of Information Act was signed into law in 1967 by Governor Winthrop Rockefeller.
• Sunshine Week, an annual nationwide celebration of access to public information, is held in March.