AR HB1444

Requires covered entities (cities, counties, municipalities, towns, conservation districts, public schools, school districts, and public institutions of higher education) to notify the Attorney General before entering into consent decrees involving injunctive or equitable relief.

Grants the Attorney General 30 days to review proposed consent decrees for compliance with state and federal law and approve or reject them in writing; decrees are deemed approved if the Attorney General fails to respond within 30 days.

Prohibits covered entities from entering into or legally enforcing any consent decree that has been disapproved by the Attorney General, though the Attorney General may provide a revised draft for reconsideration.

Exempts documents related to consent decree reviews, including proposed decrees and communications between the Attorney General and covered entities, from public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act until the underlying litigation is dismissed or the decree is filed with a court.

Excludes from the requirement agreements resolving disputes between a covered entity and a single individual where relief benefits only that individual, or disputes regarding bidding or procurement processes.