AR HB1872

Municipalities must make audio recordings of the entire executive session when discussing employment, appointment, promotion, demotion, disciplining, or resignation of public officers or employees.

The city clerk must retain the audio recording for at least three (3) years from the date of the executive session, and the recording is exempt from public disclosure.

Municipalities must provide a public oral summary of the executive session discussion at its conclusion, record the summary in meeting minutes, prepare a written transcript within 30 calendar days, and publish the redacted transcript in a local newspaper within 60 calendar days.

If a citizen sues claiming improper discussion occurred during an executive session, the audio recording must be made available to the circuit court for in camera review.

If a circuit court determines discussion during the executive session was improper, the municipality must pay the plaintiff's reasonable attorney's fees and other litigation expenses incurred.