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Officials leery of strangers during statewide FOI survey
Brenda Blagg and Dennis A. Byrd, FOIArkansas Project It didnt set well with Sheriff Mark Rupp when a stranger asked to see Attorney general: Acceptable FOIA compliance rate is 100 percent LITTLE ROCK Although a majority of public officials were responsive to requests for public documents in a statewide survey, Attorney General Mark Pryor says officials should aspire to do better. Project got started with first planning meeting in May Testing compliance to freedom of information laws is not a new idea, but the recently completed FOIArkansas Project marks the first time such a test has been conducted in Arkansas. Timing, media keys to passage of FOI Act, says former legislator LITTLE ROCK Timing and activist journalists had more to do with establishing Arkansas modern Freedom of Information Act than he did, says the lawmaker whosponsored the 1967 legislation. Requests encounter roadblock with state Health Department Telephones began ringing in regional supervisors offices shortly after county units of the state Health Department opened at 8 a.m. Aug. 23. Boozman puts plan in place to familiarize employees with FOIA LITTLE ROCK Dr. Fay Boozman, director of the state Department of Health, has established a plan to familiarize employees with the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act. EDITORS NOTE: This memorandum was sent to all employees of the state Department of Health after the director, Dr. Fay Boozman, was informed of results of a survey of department compliance with the Freedom of Information Act. Arkansas FOI Act broader than similar laws in nearby states Arkansas Freedom of Information Act is superior in some ways when compared to similar laws in surrounding states. Penalties for violating law include fines, jail Arkansas law provides for a fine and/or jail time for criminal violators of the state Freedom of Information Act. ANALYSIS FORT SMITH - Some people believe the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act is available for use only by the news media and attorneys - one common misconception among many. How citizens can make FOI Act work for them Recommendations by the FOIArkansas Project team for ways citizens can make the state Freedom of Information Act work for them: |
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