(a)

(1) There is created the Arkansas Freedom of Information Task Force for the purpose of reviewing, evaluating, and approving proposed amendments to the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, § 25-19-101 et seq.

(2) No later than the first day of November in each even-numbered year preceding a regular legislative session, the task force shall:

(A) Complete a study of proposed exemptions from or additions to the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, § 25-19-101 et seq.; and

(B) Report to the General Assembly its recommendations concerning proposed exemptions from or additions to the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, § 25-19-101 et seq.

(b) (1) The task force shall consist of nine (9) members as follows:

(A) One (1) member appointed by the Governor;

(B) One (1) member appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate;

(C) One (1) member appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives;

(D) One (1) member appointed by the Arkansas Press Association;

(E) One (1) member appointed by the Arkansas Freedom of Information Coalition;

(F) One (1) member appointed by the Arkansas Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists;

(G) One (1) member appointed by the Arkansas Broadcasters Association;

(H) One (1) member appointed by the Association of Arkansas Counties; and

(I) One (1) member appointed by the Arkansas Municipal League.

(2)

(A) Each member of the task force shall serve a term of four (4) years.

(B) A member of the task force shall not serve more than two (2) terms.

(3) A vacancy on the task force shall be filled in the manner of the original appointment.

(4) The task force shall elect from its membership:

(A) A chair; and

(B) Other officers deemed necessary by the task force.

(c)

(1) Five (5) members of the task force shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of transacting business.

(2) A majority vote of the total membership of the task force is required for any action of the task force.

(d) The members of the task force shall meet at their own expense and shall not be entitled to reimbursement for mileage or per diem.

(e)

(1) The initial members of the task force shall be appointed within thirty (30) days of August 1, 2017.

(2)

(A) The President Pro Tempore of the Senate shall call the first meeting of the task force, which shall occur within sixty (60) days of August 1, 2017.

(B) The task force shall begin its review under subdivision (a)(2) of this section within thirty (30) days of the call of the first meeting.