What is the primary purpose of the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act?

The primary purpose of the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act is to ensure public access to government records. This act is designed to promote transparency and accountability in government by allowing citizens to request and obtain records from public agencies. It establishes the principle that information possessed by public entities is fundamentally public and should be accessible to the people, thereby facilitating informed civic engagement and oversight.

In contrast to this, options that suggest restricting access to documents or regulating private business transactions do not align with the act's intent, which emphasizes public access rather than limiting it. Moreover, while legal protections for government officials may play a role in certain contexts relating to the act, the primary aim remains focused on providing the public with access to information, making the option about access to government records the most accurate reflection of the act's fundamental purpose.