What does Arizona law require regarding the transparency of government records?

Arizona law mandates that government records must be accessible to the public unless they fall under specific exemptions defined by law. This principle is rooted in the state's emphasis on transparency and accountability in government. The idea is that citizens have a right to access information regarding government operations and decisions, promoting openness and allowing for public oversight.

The law provides various exemptions to this access—such as records that pertain to personal privacy, sensitive law enforcement information, or certain judicial proceedings. However, the foundational rule is accessibility, reinforcing the notion that the functioning of government should be open to scrutiny by the public.

Understanding this requirement is essential for fostering an informed citizenry and ensuring that governmental entities operate with transparency, which is critical for building trust between the government and the people it serves.