The Senate has given final approval to a bill that requires proposed legislation to say if it creates an exemption to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.
By a 33-2 vote, the Senate on Monday approved the proposal by Rep. Dan Greenberg, R-Little Rock, who says the proposal would make it easier for the public to find out what changes the Legislature plans to make to state law protecting access to public records and meetings. The measure now heads to Gov. Mike Beebe, and his office said Monday he plans on signing it into law.
Senators Joyce Elliott and David Johnson, both Democrats from Litttle Rock, voted against the bill. Johnson says he opposed the measure partly because he doesn't believe FOI exemptions should be treated any differently from other exemptions that lawmakers may make to state law.
For more information see Tuesday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.