Arkansas Gov. Sanders pushes public records overhaul amid lawsuit over travel, draws transparency concerns and DeSantis comparisons.

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders is pushing to overhaul the state's public records law amid a lawsuit over her travel records. Critics say the timing is meant to render the lawsuit moot.

The proposed changes would broaden exemptions to what records the public can access, including security details from the governor's travel. It includes a retroactive clause.

Advocates warn the overhaul would reduce government transparency and accountability. A bipartisan FOIA task force voted against the changes, saying more time is needed.

Critics draw comparisons to a similar effort by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to shield his travel records from public access before announcing his presidential bid.

Sanders says the changes are about efficiency and security, but even some Republicans in the state are speaking out against the proposals.