Arizona SB1078 amends public records law to allow appeals and legal costs for denied access.

Arizona SB1078 amends the public records law to allow any person denied access to public records to appeal through a special action in superior court. Victims denied access in criminal cases can also appeal within the criminal case. The court may award attorney fees and other legal costs if the person seeking records has substantially prevailed. The bill also provides a cause of action for those wrongfully denied access to public records, allowing them to seek damages from the officer or public body. The standard of review for legal questions under this chapter is de novo.

Arizona SB1078 amends public records law to allow appeals and legal costs for denied access.

Arizona SB1078 amends the public records law to allow any person denied access to public records to appeal through a special action in superior court. Victims denied access in criminal cases can also appeal within the criminal case. The court may award attorney fees and other legal costs if the person seeking records has substantially prevailed. The bill also provides a cause of action for those wrongfully denied access to public records, allowing them to seek damages from the officer or public body. The standard of review for legal questions under this chapter is de novo.