Arkansas’ attorney general approved ballot titles for a referendum that could eventually enshrine existing Freedom of Information Act laws into the state constitution.Tim Griffin certified the popular name and ballot title for four different versions of the proposed constitutional amendments.This came a day after the group, Arkansas Citizens for Transparency, filed a lawsuit against Griffin, claiming he wasn’t following the law when he rejected previous drafts.In Arkansas, the attorney general’s approval is required before a group can begin collecting signatures on a referendum. Once they receive approval, they have until July 5 to collect more than 90,704 signatures before it can be placed on the ballot for voters to decide on.Government TransparencyThe initiative is titled “The Arkansas Government Transparency Amendment.” It would prohibit the General Assembly from passing laws that would diminish public access to government unless voters agreed in a referendum.There would be an emergency exception if 90% of the General Assembly voted in favor. The exception would put the limits in place until people had the chance to vote on a referendum.The group was formed in response to new exceptions to Arkansas’ Freedom of Information Act that were passed last year.The new law restricts certain records related to the security of the governor, other state officials, members of the General Assembly, Supreme Court justices and appeals court judges.
Arkansas’ attorney general approved ballot titles for a referendum that could eventually enshrine existing Freedom of Information Act laws into the state constitution.
Tim Griffin certified the popular name and ballot title for four different versions of the proposed constitutional amendments.
This came a day after the group, Arkansas Citizens for Transparency, filed a lawsuit against Griffin, claiming he wasn’t following the law when he rejected previous drafts.
In Arkansas, the attorney general’s approval is required before a group can begin collecting signatures on a referendum. Once they receive approval, they have until July 5 to collect more than 90,704 signatures before it can be placed on the ballot for voters to decide on.
Government Transparency
The initiative is titled “The Arkansas Government Transparency Amendment.” It would prohibit the General Assembly from passing laws that would diminish public access to government unless voters agreed in a referendum.
There would be an emergency exception if 90% of the General Assembly voted in favor. The exception would put the limits in place until people had the chance to vote on a referendum.
The group was formed in response to new exceptions to Arkansas’ Freedom of Information Act that were passed last year.
The new law restricts certain records related to the security of the governor, other state officials, members of the General Assembly, Supreme Court justices and appeals court judges.
