New state FOI law requires in-person board and commission meetings, city attorney says

The Little Rock Board of Directors was told Aug. 12 that a new state law requires in-person meetings for local boards and commissions.
City staff and the city attorney’s office told the board that Act 505, an amendment to the state’s Freedom of Information laws, has been interpreted by the attorney general’s office to prohibit remote (Zoom) meetings for boards and commissions. "The attorney general made it very clear that all boards and commissions have to be in person," Senior Deputy City Attorney Sherry Latimer told the board.
The change took effect Aug. 5. Board members asked how absences and replacements would be handled under the city’s rules; staff said the city’s ordinances already set attendance thresholds and that the board has discretion, in some cases, to hear reasons before removing a member.
City staff said they have notified local boards and commissions about the change. Lynette (last name not provided) was identified in the meeting transcript as the staff member who handled the notice to members. The city attorney’s office said it had sought clarification directly from the attorney general’s office on how to interpret the new law.
City officials did not announce any formal board vote or ordinance change during the Aug. 12 agenda meeting. Board members asked staff to continue providing information on implementation and how the attendance rules would be enforced.
Looking ahead, staff said boards and commissions should plan for in-person attendance and that individual boards will continue to follow the city’s existing removal/attendance procedures if members miss the required number of meetings.