New Arkansas Law Prevents Abuse of Copyright to Ensure Access to Educational Materials

Yesterday, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed the Public School Access and Transparency Act (SB572) into law, marking a major victory for parents, students, and transparency advocates. The new law strengthens the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act by ensuring public access to the learning materials used in public schools.

Under SB572, public schools and districts cannot deny access to educational content based on copyright claims or enter into agreements that restrict transparency. The law also ensures that Arkansas residents may inspect and copy these materials—including digital resources—without being forced to sign non-disclosure agreements or waivers.

This law responds to a growing and troubling trend. Across the country, school districts are withholding curricula and other classroom materials from parents, claiming copyright law shields them from public records requirements. Just last month, a federal court in Kentucky ruled against a parent, Miranda Stovall, who had requested a copy of a student survey distributed in her child’s classroom. The school district denied the request, citing copyright. That case underscores the urgent need for clear legal protections: when copyright is misused to block transparency, parents and students suffer—and accountability disappears.

Looking Ahead

Arkansas has now set a national example. The passage of SB572 makes clear that parents deserve full access to the materials shaping their children’s education. Americans for Prosperity proudly supported this reform and previously released a model bill to help guide lawmakers in addressing this issue.

AFP urges other states to follow Arkansas’s lead in the upcoming legislative sessions. Transparency shouldn’t stop at the classroom door. Parents have a right to know what’s being taught—and with SB572, Arkansas has affirmed that right in law.