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Arkansas House Panel Approves Public Employee Protection

Employees seeking public information would be guaranteed protections under a proposal approved by an Arkansas House committee.

The House Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs unanimously supported the bill on Wednesday. The proposal would make it illegal for any public employer to fire, discipline or reprimand an employee who uses the state's Freedom of Information Act.

The law allows the citizens to access most public data, such as governmental contracts and employee salaries.

Republican Rep. Nate Bell of Mena says he was contacted about the idea by a public employee who had been reprimanded by an employer after using the law. He says the bill would protect employees' freedom of speech.

The bill now goes to the full House for consideration.

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