Senate approves bill to require public records of redistricting communications

The Arkansas Senate on March 17 passed Senate Bill 12, a measure by Sen. Sandra King that would add transparency requirements to the state’s redistricting process by limiting private communications about drawing legislative maps and requiring records of communications be written, electronic, or occur in an open meeting.

Supporters said the measure aims to prevent backroom deals during the drawing of districts and to make the process more public. Sponsor Sen. Sandra King said the bill treats communications “much like a jury” and would stop private meetings that she said have produced manipulated districts.

Opponents raised concerns about potential limits on free speech; King responded that rules already limit some debate in state agencies and that the bill would not abolish free speech but would make redistricting communications public.

On a roll call, the Senate approved the bill by a vote of 21 yeas, 12 nays, 1 not voting. The measure, described in the introduction as an amendment to the Freedom of Information Act of 1960 covering the board of apportionment, will be transmitted to the House for further consideration.

The sponsor described the change as creating a public record for communications that affect the drawing of districts; the bill text, as presented on the floor, centers on requiring written or public communications and treating private contacts about apportionment as disallowed influence.

Senate action: Senate Bill 12 passed and will be sent to the House; the roll-call tally announced on the floor was 21–12–1.

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