Attorney on FOIA Bill: “Right now, the Republicans are anti-freedom.”

Are conservatives going to let other Republicans destroy FOIA and public meetings? That’s the question Fort Smith Attorney Joey McCutchen has for our legislators. McCutchen says there is a direct attack on our FOIA laws — specifically with the filing of HB1610 by Rep Bentley, as well as HB1726 by Rep. Ray and Sen. Davis.

HB1610 would essentially allow elected officials to meet in secret, McCutchen says. “Simply put, House Bill 1610 is going to destroy open meetings in Arkansas. It’s going to allow one third of the governing body to meet secretly.”

McCutchen also points to HB1726, which would charge a fee in certain circumstances –for records that McCutchen says, already belong to the people. “I think Senator Davis and Representative Ray have forgotten who they work for… and not only that, this may be as bad as HB1610.”

“I think the Republicans better understand that while they may be in power now, that may be not forever. They may be on the outside looking in. They may be wanting records. They may want to be able to observe what’s happening and why people are taking various actions. FOIA is not a Republican bill. It’s not a Democrat bill… it’s a freedom bill. Right now, the Republicans are anti-freedom. Anyone who votes for HB1610 and allows our government to meet in secret is not being pro-freedom. Patrick Henry said that when our rulers are able to conceal their actions from us, it’s a dangerous thing.”

>>>TAKE ACTION McCutchen encourages people to contact the bill sponsors and let them know they oppose HB1610 and HB1726. McCutchen also says to contact members of the House State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee.

McCutchen also encourages Arkansans to show up and speak in opposition of HB1610 when it is in House State Agencies this Wednesday, March 29th.

House Members: