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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Fifth Legislature, Second Regular Session
government membership organizations; transparency
Purpose
Subjects, to statutory public records requirements, a paid membership organization composed of any county, city, town, school district, political subdivision, special taxing district, agency, department, commission or committee (governmental entity) that expends or is supported in whole or in part by state or local monies.
Background
All officers and public bodies must maintain all records reasonably necessary or appropriate to maintain an accurate knowledge of their official activities and any activities supported by state or local monies. Each public body is responsible for the preservation, maintenance and care of its public records. The records must be carefully secured, protected and preserved from deterioration, mutilation, loss or destruction, unless disposed of pursuant to law. A public body includes any governmental entity and any public organization or agency supported in whole or in part by state or local monies or that expends monies provided by the state or a political subdivision (A.R.S. § 39-121.01). Public records and other matters in the custody of any officer must be open to inspection by any person at all times during office hours (A.R.S. § 39-121). Any person who has a request to examine or copy public records denied may appeal through a special action in superior court (A.R.S. § 39-121.02).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Modifies the definition of public body relating to statutory public records requirements to include a paid membership organization composed of any governmental entity and that is supported in whole or in part by or expends state or local monies.
2. Makes technical changes
3. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
January 26, 2022
MH/slp