B. Whose records are and are not subject to the act?

The Arizona Public Records Law contains two operative definitions—“officer” and “public body”—for the purpose of subjecting certain documents to disclosure under the law.

“Officer” is defined as “any person elected or appointed to hold any elective or appointive office of any public body and any chief administrative officer, head, director, superintendent or chairman of any public body.”  A.R.S. § 39-121.01(A)(1).

“Public bodies” are defined by statute as “the state, any county, city, town, school district, political subdivision or tax-supported district in the state, any branch, department, board, bureau, commission, council or committee of the foregoing, and any public organization or agency, supported in whole or in part by monies from the state or any political subdivision of the state, or expending monies provided by the state or any political subdivision of the state.”  A.R.S. § 39-121.01(A)(2).  The operative definition of a “public body” in Arizona is very broad.  Indeed, any “public organization or agency” supported by or expending public funds falls within the ambit of the Act.

Exempt Agencies:  No Arizona agencies are exempted in their entirety.

Every officer and every public body are obligated to preserve, maintain and care for public records pursuant to Arizona law.  A.R.S. § 39-121.01(C).