City attorney outlines changes in Act 505 of 2025 to the Freedom of Information Act

The city attorney briefed the Helena‑West Helena City Council on amendments to the state Freedom of Information Act enacted as Act 505 of 2025 and highlighted changes that will affect local governing bodies.

The city attorney told the council, "As you look at the act, anything that's underlined has been added to the law," and explained the bill's new definitions of "deliberation," "poll" and "informal meeting," which clarify when exchanges between members of a governing body must be disclosed. The attorney said the act narrows remote‑meeting allowances for local municipal governing bodies and requires that if a member attends remotely, attendees must be able to see and hear that member and identify them. The attorney also described new language requiring that an executive session notice state which of the enumerated purposes (for example, appointment, employment, promotion, discipline) is the basis for the executive session.

Other additions include a requirement that a governing body publish its most current public meeting agenda online or through social media at least three days before a regular meeting and at least two hours before a special meeting, where the governing body maintains those platforms. The attorney said the act does not include an emergency clause; under the statute's effective schedule the changes will take effect 90 days after signature by the governor.

Councilmembers asked clarifying questions about which bodies may meet remotely and how records of meetings must be preserved; the attorney noted that municipalities must maintain meeting recordings for the period required by law and recommended staff review current storage practices. The council did not take formal action on the briefing; the attorney's presentation was an informational update to prepare staff and members for compliance.