Arizona

Open Meeting Law

Formally: Arizona Open Meeting Law

Ariz. Rev. Stat. §§ 38-431 to 38-431.09

Read the statute →

Sunshine Score: 52/100 (moderate)
52/100

Sunshine Score

52/100
Limited
Methodology v0.1
Advance Notice 1 day, online posting required
Public Comment Required, written accepted
Closed Sessions 5 permitted categories
Minutes Required, online posting required
Recording Not required
Remote Participation Not allowed
Enforcement Voidable, legislature exempt

Agenda & Notice Requirements

Regular Meetings
1 day
Special Meetings
1 day
Emergency Meetings
0 hours

Online posting: Required

Post notice and agenda at least 24 hours before meeting (excluding Sundays and holidays) at designated location and on website

Agenda changes at meeting: Allowed — 2/3 vote (ARS § 38-431.02: item arising after posting may be considered by 2/3 of members present)

Public Participation

Public Comment
Required
Written Comment
Allowed

Time limits: Presiding officer may impose reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions on public comment per A.R.S. § 38-431.01(H).

Public bodies may (but are not required to) make an open call to the public during a meeting. Members may respond to criticism, ask staff to review a matter, or place matters on a future agenda, but may not take action on items raised unless specifically agendized. Bodies may impose reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions per A.R.S. § 38-431.01(H).

Virtual Meetings

Member Remote Participation
Not allowed
Counts Toward Quorum
No
Public Remote Comment
Not allowed

A.R.S. § 38-431 et seq. does not expressly authorize remote member participation; teleconference communications among a quorum trigger open-meeting requirements rather than authorizing hybrid meetings. Physical presence is the default rule.

Closed Sessions

Closed (executive) sessions: Allowed under specific circumstances

Permitted Categories

Meeting Minutes

Minutes Required
Yes
Publication Deadline
5 days

Online posting: Required

Content requirements: date, time, place, members present, all motions and votes

Recording & Broadcast

Recording Required
No
Broadcast Required
No

Enforcement

Violation Effect
Voidable
Standing to Sue
Any person affected, Attorney General
Enforcement Body
Superior Court, Attorney General, County Attorney

Scope

This law applies to:

  • City
  • County
  • School District
  • Special District

Legislature: Exempt (follows own rules)

Accessibility & Language Access

ADA accessibility: ADA Title II applies to all public meetings. The state statute does not add requirements beyond federal law; reasonable accommodations must be provided on request.

Language access: No statutory language-access mandate beyond federal Civil Rights Act Title VI obligations for recipients of federal funds.

Sources & References

← Back to Open Meetings & Public Notice Laws

The specific rules for Arizona may differ from this general description. Consult the full statute for details.