SB1078

THE CONTEXT: Public records and other matters in any officer's custody must be open to inspection by any individual at all times during office hours. An individual who has requested to examine or copy public records according to the statute relating to searches and copies of public records and has been denied access to such record can appeal the denial through a special action in the superior court.

WHAT THE BILL DID: The final vetoed version would stipulate that the standard of review for a question of law arising under statute related to public records, including if any exception to disclosure applies, is de novo.

WHY IT MATTERED: The practical reason for this bill was to make the government process for public records more definite and accountable. It would stipulate that the standard of review for a question of law arising under statute related to public records, including if any exception to disclosure applies, is de novo, rather than leave the current rule unchanged.