Legislation to Revise Arizona's Open Records Act Signed by Governor to Promote Jobs and Growth with Support from the Arizona Technology Council

PHOENIX, April 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Celebrating the potential of Arizona House Bill 2272 to promote high-paying, promising jobs in Arizona's Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) industries, the Public Policy Committee of the Arizona Technology Council applauded the Governor today for signing it into law. In a collaborative effort with Arizona industries, academic institutions and other non-profit industry organizations, the Council was instrumental in supporting the legislation introduced and spearheaded by Arizona Representative Vic Williams (R-46) that amends the Open Records Act.

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The passage of the legislation has the effect of encouraging private sector investments in Arizona that were previously discouraged under Arizona's existing Open Records Act. Because the statute potentially enabled details of intellectual property such as the results of clinical trials be disclosed on request when a private company was engaged with a public entity such as a University, lucrative projects were being halted for fear of having to reveal competitive information to anyone who requested it.  The Council's efforts included work to ensure that the revised language of the Open Records Act had the prior by-in of critical stakeholders including the Arizona Newspapers Association.

"We were able to bring a diverse group of entities to the table and develop specific legislation that promotes job development and creation in Arizona in a very concise and short period of time," said Representative Williams. "By reforming the current statute to lower risks, we are giving businesses a key reason for investing in our state."

The Arizona Technology Council continuously monitors federal, state and local policies that impact the growth of Arizona's technology industry. Through the collective strength of its members, the Council informs and educates policymakers on issues that are important to the state's technology-based industries.

"STEM jobs will help Arizona grow its global competitiveness," said Steven G. Zylstra, president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council.  "This is a significant legislative victory for all citizens of our state that will help us compete for new opportunities. We must continue to work collaboratively to ensure critical fields that drive Arizona's economy are given every opportunity to generate new ideas and innovation."

About the Arizona Technology Council

The Arizona Technology Council is Arizona's premier trade association for science and technology companies.  Recognized as having a diverse professional business community, Council members work toward furthering the advancement of technology in Arizona through leadership, education, legislation and social action. The Arizona Technology Council offers numerous events, educational forums and business conferences that bring together leaders, managers, employees and visionaries to make an impact on the technology industry.  These interactions contribute to the Council's culture of growing member businesses and transforming technology in Arizona. To become a member or to learn more about the Arizona Technology Council, please visit http://www.aztechcouncil.org.

SOURCE Arizona Technology Council