How to File a Public Records Request in Little Rock, Arkansas

What Is the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act?

The Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified at Arkansas Code Annotated §§ 25-19-101 through 25-19-112, is one of the nation's oldest and strongest open records laws. Signed into law on February 14, 1967 by Governor Winthrop Rockefeller, the FOIA guarantees that any citizen of the State of Arkansas may inspect and copy public records during regular business hours. The law applies to all state and local government bodies, including cities, counties, school districts, and any organizations supported by public funds.

A "public record" under the FOIA includes any writing, recorded sound, film, tape, electronic or computer-based information, or data compilation that constitutes a record of the performance or lack of performance of official functions. This covers a wide range of documents: building permits, meeting minutes, city contracts, emails between officials, budgets, police incident reports, and more.

Key exemptions include personnel and employee evaluation records (subject to a balancing test and Attorney General review), ongoing law enforcement investigations, medical and adoption records, tax records, attorney-client privileged communications, and records that would give competitive advantage to bidders. When an exemption applies, the custodian must separate exempt from non-exempt material and release everything that is not exempt. The burden is always on the government to justify withholding — not on the citizen to prove the records should be released.

Read the full text of the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (Arkansas Code Annotated §§ 25-19-101 through 25-19-112)

How to File a Public Records Request with the City of Little Rock

How to Submit Your Request

The City of Little Rock accepts FOIA requests by email, mail, in person, or through an online web form. The preferred and fastest method is to email your request directly to [email protected]. You may also submit requests through the City's FOIA web page at littlerock.gov, which includes a submission form. No specific form is legally required — a written letter or email clearly identifying the records you seek is sufficient. For police-specific records, the Little Rock Police Department has a separate FOIA unit that handles requests for law enforcement documents. All other city department requests are coordinated through the City Attorney's Office FOIA Division. Be as specific as possible in describing the records you need, including relevant dates, names, departments, and document types.

What to Include in Your Request

• Your full name and contact information (mailing address, email, phone number)
• A clear statement that you are an Arkansas citizen (required by law)
• A reference to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (Ark. Code Ann. § 25-19-105)
• A specific and detailed description of the records you are requesting
• Relevant date ranges, names, departments, or file numbers
• Your preferred format for receiving records (electronic copies, paper, or in-person inspection)
• A statement of the maximum fee you are willing to pay without prior notification

Response Deadlines and What to Expect

Under the Arkansas FOIA, records that are immediately available must be provided on the spot during regular business hours. If a record is in active use or storage and not immediately available, the custodian must certify this fact in writing and make the record available within three (3) working days under Ark. Code Ann. § 25-19-105(e).

It's important to note that Arkansas limits FOIA access to state citizens. Non-residents of Arkansas do not have a statutory right to request records under the FOIA.

The three-day window is a maximum, not a target — the law expects prompt disclosure. However, for voluminous or complex requests, the Arkansas Attorney General has indicated that a custodian may need a "reasonable time" beyond three days, determined on a case-by-case basis. If the City of Little Rock needs additional time, the FOIA Coordinator should communicate this to you.

Regarding fees, the City may charge only the actual costs of reproducing records, plus mailing expenses. Search or retrieval fees based on staff time are not permitted under Arkansas law. If estimated costs exceed $25, the City may require prepayment before copying. The custodian must provide an itemized breakdown of any charges. Inspection of records in person is free — you cannot be charged for simply looking at public records. Copies may also be furnished free or at reduced cost if the request is primarily for noncommercial purposes and a waiver is in the public interest.

What to Do If Your Request Is Denied or Delayed

If the City of Little Rock denies your FOIA request or fails to respond within three working days, you have legal options. First, understand why a request might be denied: the most common reasons include claimed exemptions for personnel records, ongoing law enforcement investigations, attorney-client privilege, or a determination that the requested documents don't constitute public records.

Start by following up informally. A phone call to the FOIA Coordinator at (501) 371-4637 or an email to [email protected] can often resolve misunderstandings or clarify the scope of your request. Sometimes a request is delayed rather than denied, and direct communication can speed things up.

If the denial stands, Arkansas law provides a direct path to court — there is no mandatory administrative appeal process. Under Ark. Code Ann. § 25-19-107(a), any citizen denied rights under the FOIA may appeal immediately to the circuit court of the appropriate judicial district. For requests denied by the City of Little Rock, this would be the Pulaski County Circuit Court. The court must schedule a hearing within seven days of your petition.

For personnel and employee evaluation records specifically, either the requester, the custodian, or the subject of the records may seek an advisory opinion from the Arkansas Attorney General within one business day of the initial decision. The AG must respond within three working days.

Arkansas has a favorable attorney's fees provision for requesters. Under Ark. Code Ann. § 25-19-107(d), the court shall award reasonable attorney's fees and litigation expenses to a plaintiff who has substantially prevailed, unless the court finds the defendant's position was substantially justified. Fees may be assessed against the requester only if the court finds the lawsuit was initiated primarily for frivolous or dilatory purposes.

Steps to Appeal

1. Follow up informally with the FOIA Coordinator at [email protected] or (501) 371-4637 to clarify the request or resolve any misunderstanding.
2. Request a written explanation citing the specific statutory exemption under Ark. Code Ann. § 25-19-105(b) that the City claims justifies withholding.
3. For personnel or evaluation records, seek an advisory opinion from the Arkansas Attorney General under Ark. Code Ann. § 25-19-105(c)(3), who must respond within three working days.
4. Contact the Arkansas Attorney General's FOIA guidance office at (501) 682-2007 for general assistance on whether the denial is lawful.
5. File a petition in Pulaski County Circuit Court under Ark. Code Ann. § 25-19-107(a) — the court must hear the case within seven days of your application.
6. If you substantially prevail, seek reasonable attorney's fees and litigation expenses under Ark. Code Ann. § 25-19-107(d), which the court shall award unless the City's position was substantially justified.
7. If the City refuses to comply with the court order, the court may hold the City in contempt under Ark. Code Ann. § 25-19-107(c).

Types of Records You Can Request from Little Rock, Arkansas

The Arkansas FOIA defines public records broadly to include virtually any document that reflects the performance or lack of performance of official functions. Here are common types of records you can request from the City of Little Rock:

• City Board of Directors meeting minutes, agendas, and resolutions
• City budgets, financial reports, and expenditure records
• Contracts, purchase orders, and vendor agreements
• Building permits, zoning applications, and inspection reports
• Police incident reports, arrest records, and use-of-force reports
• Fire department incident and inspection records
• City employee salary and compensation records
• Emails and correspondence of city officials related to official duties
• Code enforcement complaints and violation notices
• Public works project records and infrastructure assessments
• Annexation petitions and improvement district records
• Business license applications and records
• City lobbyist registration forms and financial interest statements
• Parks and recreation program records and facility use agreements

If you're unsure whether a specific document is a public record, file the request anyway. The burden is on the City of Little Rock to justify withholding — not on you to pre-determine what's available.

Tips for Effective Public Records Requests in Little Rock