Here at the Arkansas Project, we continue to have concerns about the direction of the University of Arkansas. We see what looks like an organized effort that is antithetical to the values of a true university: namely, we see attempts to not only undermine speech that is critical of those running the university system, but also to dilute the quality of education in Arkansas. … [Read more...]
Arkansas FOIA Task Force Begins
Another new task force officially began today: the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Task Force met for the first time. According to Act 923 of 2017, the task force must consist of nine members representing government, academia, and the media. The members will report their recommendations to the legislature before each regular session about proposed additions and … [Read more...]
Yes, Arkansans Still Have The Right To Record in Public
A recent ruling by the Eighth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has led some to question whether Arkansans still have the First Amendment right to record in public. The answer to that question is: yes, despite what Max Brantley says. Brantley claims that the ruling means “residents of Arkansas and the rest of the circuit lack the First Amendment right to report (record) on … [Read more...]
Anti-Transparency Bill Fails In Senate
Yesterday was bad news for state bureaucrats wanting to hide public information from Arkansans. Legislation that guts the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) failed badly in the Senate by a margin of 11 to 14, with 10 not voting. This bill would create a huge new exemption in the state’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) for attorney-client communications and work … [Read more...]
House Passes Legislation Gutting FOIA
The Arkansas House celebrated the end of Sunshine Week by passing a gigantic exemption to the state’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) late Monday afternoon. Senate Bill 373 by state Sen. Bart Hester and state Rep. Bob Ballinger would create a new FOIA exemption for “attorney-client communications and work product strictly related to pending or threatened … [Read more...]
