* Projects

Freedom of Information

APA is active in promoting Arkansas’ Freedom of Information, raising public awareness about its importance and defending the law against legislative and judicial attempts to weaken it. APA is one of the leading FOIA advocates in the Arkansas General Assembly.

Biennially, APA teams with the Governor’s Office, the Attorney General’s Office, the Arkansas Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), the Arkansas Broadcasters Association, the Associated Press and other groups to publish the Arkansas Freedom of Information Handbook. Now in its 13th edition, the publication is the only resource of its kind for government officials, school boards, judicial officers, educators and the public at large. The PDF Handbook can be downloaded in its entirety here: FOI Handbook (14th Ed.) (750.87 kB)

APA created and continues to take the lead role in the Freedom of Information Coalition, a watchdog group consisting of leading journalists, broadcasters (radio and television), representatives of the Governor’s Office, representatives of the Attorney General’s Office, various colleges and universities, the Associated press, the Association of Arkansas Counties, SPJ, Arkansas College Press Association, Arkansas Radio Network, Arkansas Public Radio, Arkansas Municipal League, Arkansas Press Women, Associated Press Broadcasters Association  and the University of Little Rock College of Law. The group is dedicated to monitoring and responding to threats to the people’s law.

Each year, APA participates with other states during Sunshine Week, a weeklong observance stressing the importance of the nation’s state and federal freedom of information laws.

For member newspapers, APA has established a “FOI Hotline,” in concert with the Law Firm of Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull and Burrow PLLC. The service provides newspapers with legal guidance and counseling on FOIA requests and other issues. Members may contact the lawyers at QGTB free of charge at 501.379.1701, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Recently, Attorney General Dustin McDaniel and APA teamed to present a series of FOIA Seminars across the state.