Dennis A. Byrd and Brenda Blagg, FOIArkansas Project

Changes may be in store for the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act in 2001, but it’s too early to guess what kind.

A legislative proposal that would set the cost for photocopies of public documents may make a third appearance in 2001.

Arkansas municipal officials apparently have been paying attention at annual seminars on the state Freedom of Information Act.

Options limited for reporting alleged violations
FOIArkansas Project

The options are limited for Arkansans who believe government officials have violated the state Freedom of Information Act.

Troutt advocates open government in word, deed
Larry Fugate, FOIArkansas Project

JONESBORO — The editor of the state’s largest independent, family-owned daily newspaper takes his role as an advocate of open government seriously.

Ombudsman providing counsel on FOIA
Elizabeth Caldwell, FOIArkansas Project

Attorneys general come and go; but the outspoken Robert Fisher provides a constant in the Arkansas attorney general’s office. For almost 20 years, he has been there, fielding questions about the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Attorney general’s opinions not legally binding, but should not be disregarded
George Talbot III, FOIArkansas Project

When the attorney general issues an opinion on the Freedom of Information Act it may not be legally binding, but willfully disregarding it may not be a good idea, a veteran journalist and FOIA advocate said.

Personnel privacy concern of officials
Amy Sherrill, FOIArkansas Project

If there’s anything in the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act that alarms public officials — especially law enforcement officials — it is language that allows certain documents in personnel files to be released.

Governor, Arkansas FOI Act not always in lockstep
Elizabeth Caldwell, FOIArkansas Project

LITTLE ROCK — Gov. Mike Huckabee has had several brushes with the state’s open records law since taking office in July 1996, mostly related to a broad exemption that applies to the governor and a few others.

Journalists say survey points to need for education
Elizabeth Caldwell, FOIArkansas Project

Journalists known for championing the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act seemed encouraged by the level of compliance shown by an August survey, but stressed the need for an even better response.

Indiana couple finds federal FOIA law to be full of promise, problems
Steve Tetreault, FOIArkansas Project

WASHINGTON — It was like finding a piece of buried treasure back in 1992 when Sandra and Tom Tokarski began sorting through a pile of Department of Transportation documents obtained through the federal Freedom of Information law.

Public help available to get federal records
FOIArkansas Project

Public assistance in the use of the federal Freedom of Information Act is available through a branch of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press in Washington.

Advice for obtaining documents
FOIArkansas Project

Information professionals offer the following advice to people filing for documents under the federal Freedom of Information law: