Wilson, James

Arkansas Freedom of Information Act

Act Ark. Code Ann. §25-19-101 et seq.

The Arkansas Freedom of Information Act was established in 1967. It is a series of laws designed to guarantee that the public has access to public records of governmental bodies. Arkansas defines public records as "writings, recorded sounds, films, tapes, electronic or computer-based information, or data compilations in any medium required by law to be kept.” Originally, any citizen of the state of Arkansas could request records during normal business hours with the exception of individuals on trial and convicted felons who request information concerning the Department of Corrections.

Some exemptions to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act are state tax records, medical/adoption/education records, archaeological and historical information, grand jury minutes, unpublished drafts of judicial opinions, undisclosed police investigations, information that would create unfair competition, identities of undercover law enforcement, computer security information, home addresses of non-elected employees, license examinations, military service discharge information, or records relevant to the security of public infrastructure.