State Public Records Guide
Public Records in Arkansas
Your comprehensive guide to accessing public records in Arkansas under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (est. 1967).
Overview of Public Records in Arkansas
Arkansas adopted its Freedom of Information Act in 1967, establishing a strong framework for public access to government records and meetings. The Arkansas FOIA declares that it is the policy of the state that all public records shall be open to inspection and copying. Arkansas courts have consistently held that the FOIA should be broadly construed to maximize public access, and exemptions should be narrowly interpreted. The law applies to all state and local government agencies, boards, and commissions.
Quick Reference: Requesting Records in Arkansas
Response Time
Agencies must respond within 3 business days. If more time is needed, the agency must notify the requester and provide the records as soon as practicable.
Fees and Costs
Copying fees cannot exceed the actual cost of reproduction. Most agencies charge around $0.25 per page. Search fees may also be assessed for requests requiring extensive staff time.
How to Submit a Request
Requests can be made in writing or orally. Written requests are recommended. No specific form is required, and the requester does not need to state a reason for the request.
Appeal Process
Denied requests can be appealed by filing suit in circuit court. The attorney general also provides advisory opinions on FOIA disputes. Courts may award attorney fees to prevailing requesters.
Types of Public Records Available in Arkansas
Property Records
Property records in Arkansas include deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps, and property tax assessments. These records document real estate ownership, transfers, and encumbrances. They are typically maintained at the county level and are valuable for researching property history, verifying ownership, and conducting due diligence before purchasing real estate.
How property records work →Voter Registration
Voter registration records in Arkansas contain information about registered voters including names, addresses, party affiliation, and voting history. The availability of voter data varies based on Arkansas election law and may be subject to restrictions on permitted uses and commercial distribution.
Understanding voter records →Court Records
Arkansas court records encompass civil litigation, criminal cases, family law matters, probate proceedings, and small claims cases. These records are maintained by the state judiciary and are generally open to the public, with exceptions for sealed cases, juvenile proceedings, and certain family matters.
Guide to court records →Business Filings
Business filings in Arkansas include articles of incorporation, annual reports, trade name registrations, and UCC filings. These records are maintained by the Secretary of State and provide information about business entities operating in the state, including their registered agents, officers, and current standing.
Searching business records →Vital Records
Arkansas vital records include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. These documents are maintained by the state's vital records office and are essential for establishing identity, proving familial relationships, and handling legal matters such as estate settlements.
Vital records overview →Campaign Finance
Campaign finance records in Arkansas document political contributions, expenditures, and donor information for state and local elections. These records are maintained by the state's election commission or ethics board and are valuable for tracking political spending and identifying donor patterns.
Campaign finance explained →How to Access Arkansas Public Records
To request records under the Arkansas FOIA, you may submit a written request to the custodian of records at the relevant government agency. While there is no required form, your request should describe the records with reasonable specificity. State agencies must respond within three business days, and they must provide records or cite a specific exemption for any denial. Many Arkansas county records are available online through the county clerk and circuit clerk offices, and the Arkansas Judiciary provides case information through its online portal.
Online Access
Arkansas has a statewide court records system accessible online through the Administrative Office of the Courts. County assessor offices maintain online property databases in larger jurisdictions.
Key Exemptions and Restrictions in Arkansas
While the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) establishes a strong presumption that government records are open to public inspection, certain categories of information are exempt from disclosure. Understanding these exemptions is important when submitting records requests in Arkansas.
- Unpublished research and academic records
- Personal information of crime victims
- Tax records of individuals
- Medical records
- Trade secrets submitted to government agencies
- Active criminal investigation files
If you believe records have been improperly withheld, Arkansas provides avenues for appeal. Contact the relevant oversight body or consult our guide to filing public records requests for tips on handling denials.
Key Laws and Regulations
Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
Enacted: 1967
The Arkansas Freedom of Information Act is codified in Arkansas Code Section 25-19-101 through 25-19-110. The act establishes a presumption that all records maintained by government bodies are public records subject to inspection and copying. The law was significantly amended in 2011 to address electronic communications and in 2017 to clarify provisions related to law enforcement records. Arkansas has a dedicated FOIA ombudsman who can mediate disputes between requesters and agencies.
Key Features of Arkansas's Records Law:
- Arkansas has a three-business-day response requirement for state agencies
- The state employs a FOIA ombudsman to help resolve records disputes without litigation
- Arkansas FOIA specifically covers electronic communications including emails and text messages by public officials
Arkansas Public Records Facts
Arkansas has 75 counties maintaining local government records
The Arkansas Department of Health processes approximately 150,000 vital record requests per year
The state maintains over 1.7 million active voter registration records
Arkansas circuit clerks maintain court records dating back to the mid-1800s in many counties
Search Arkansas Public Records
Use OpenDataUSA to find publicly available records across Arkansas. Enter a name below to search public records in AR.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arkansas Public Records
How quickly must Arkansas agencies respond to FOIA requests?
How do I access Arkansas court records?
Can I get Arkansas vital records online?
Are Arkansas property tax records public?
Related Articles
Court Records Guide
How to search federal and state court records online, including PACER and state databases.
Property Records Explained
Research real estate ownership, deeds, tax assessments, and transaction history.
Voter Registration Lookup
What voter files contain, why they are public, and how to access them.
FOIA Request Guide
Step-by-step instructions for filing public records requests with government agencies.
Background Check Guide
Everything you need to know about background checks, FCRA compliance, and your options.
FCRA Compliance Guide
What the Fair Credit Reporting Act covers and how it affects people search sites.
How Public Records Work
An overview of what information is publicly available and how government records are maintained.
People Search Tips
10 practical tips to improve your people search results using public records.
Additional Resources
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational purposes and reflects publicly available information about the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Laws and procedures change over time. For the most current requirements, contact the relevant oversight agency in Arkansas or consult a legal professional. OpenDataUSA is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA. Do not use information obtained from this site for employment, tenant screening, or credit decisions.