The plan to restrict records has prompted an outcry from press groups, transparency advocates, Democrats and some conservatives who said it undermines the state’s 1967 law that protects the public’s access to government records.
Opponents have also questioned the need for quickly pushing for the legislation in a special session.
The bill would close off access to records that are at the center of a lawsuit an attorney and blogger has filed against the Arkansas State Police.
David Couch, an attorney who has authored successful ballot initiatives on medical marijuana and the minimum wage, said earlier Monday he was working on a referendum effort on the FOI changes if they become law.
A Senate committee on Monday endorsed the tax cut legislation, which calls for cutting the top individual and corporate income tax rates by .3%.
Persons:
Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Sanders, “ We've, Bart Hester, Hester, “, ”, Joey McCutchen, she's, Donald Trump's, “ We’re, Matt Campbell, David Couch, I've, Couch
Organizations:
—, Senate, Fort, State Police, Republicans, Arkansas State Police, Arkansas Press Association, Society of Professional Journalists, Republican Party, Prosperity
Locations:
— Arkansas, Fort Smith, Arkansas