SB380

Senate Bill 380 amends the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act of 1967 to standardize and formalize the response process for public records requests. It mandates that custodians of public records must provide a written response when a request is made in writing. Specifically, custodians must state if no responsive records exist, identify specific exemptions if records are withheld, or provide the identity of the appropriate custodian if they lack administrative control over requested documents. The bill also explicitly allows these required responses to be delivered via electronic mail. Furthermore, it establishes that a knowing failure to comply with these notification requirements will subject the custodian to the existing penalties defined in the Freedom of Information Act. The bill clarifies that these new procedures do not supersede the existing obligation for custodians to immediately provide accessible public records.