FOIA

County Officials Dive into Updated FOIA Laws After Insightful Conference

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Mountain Home, Arkansas — County officials have recently been updated on changes to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) laws following an informative conference. This event brought together local leaders, legal experts, and transparency advocates to discuss the implications of the revised legislation and the responsibilities it places on governmental bodies. The updated FOIA laws aim to increase public access to government records and foster greater accountability among officials. Key points of discussion included the expanded definition of accessible documents and the timeline within which requests must be fulfilled. The new provisions also clarify procedures … Read more

West Virginia Legislature Proposes New Bill to Define Its Own Public Records Policy, Aiming to Clarify FOIA Ambiguities

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Charleston, West Virginia – In the bustling final weeks of West Virginia’s 2025 legislative session, lawmakers are debating a significant bill that could reshape public access to government records. House Bill 3412, currently under discussion, proposes allowing the House of Delegates and the state Senate to establish their own rules concerning the disclosure of documents, potentially exempting them from some current obligations under the state’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Under the state’s existing FOIA, any person can request access to public records from any public body, with agencies required to respond within five business … Read more

Arkansas Judge Rejects Attorney General’s FOIA Lawsuit, Declares Victory for Prison Board Transparency

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FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas – In a recent court ruling, an Arkansas judge has dismissed the attorney general’s lawsuit against the state prison board. The lawsuit, which was centered around the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), has been the subject of much debate and legal back-and-forth. The attorney general had filed the lawsuit against the prison board, alleging that they had violated the FOIA by not releasing certain documents and records. This legal action was seen as an attempt to improve transparency and accountability within the state’s prison system. However, the judge ultimately sided with the prison … Read more

Arkansas Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Accusing Board of Corrections of Violating FOIA, Escalating Dispute with Governor

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A lawsuit filed by Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin against the Board of Corrections has been dismissed by a judge. The lawsuit alleged that the board violated the state Freedom of Information Act, further escalating the ongoing dispute between Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and the panel over the management of the prison system. Griffin has announced his plans to appeal the ruling made by Pulaski County Circuit Judge Tim Fox. The lawsuit was related to the board’s hiring of an outside attorney in the midst of the disagreement. The conflict between … Read more