HB1012

House Bill 1012 amends the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) of 1967 to exempt specific security-related records concerning the Governor and other high-ranking state constitutional officers from public disclosure. The bill defines confidential records to include data, surveillance footage, and security plans related to the protection of these officials. Additionally, it mandates that the Division of Arkansas State Police submit quarterly reports to the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee detailing expenses incurred by the Executive Protection Detail for the Governor, provided that such reporting does not compromise security. The legislation includes retroactive provisions to June 1, 2022, regarding certain exemptions. It also contains an emergency clause, declaring that the immediate protection of these records is necessary for the safety and continuity of state government operations. Finally, the bill specifies that it does not limit the authority of Arkansas Legislative Audit to report information to the General Assembly.