LITTLE ROCK — State officials say a western Arkansas judge's ruling against the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act won't have much practical impact in the near future.
Sebastian County Circuit Judge James Cox has declined Attorney General Dustin McDaniel's request that he review his Oct. 4 ruling declaring the criminal penalty of the state sunshine law unconstitutional and McDaniel's request to intervene in the case.
McDaniel says he will appeal to the Arkansas Supreme Court.
Cox called on the Arkansas Legislature to clarify parts of the law. Legislative leaders say they don't immediately see a need for any action and don't expect any changes to be made during next year's fiscal legislative session.
A spokesman for Gov. Mike Beebe says he expects lawmakers to wait for any ruling from the Supreme Court.