public records; review standard

SB 1078 amends Arizona law to require courts to review public records access denials "de novo" (from the beginning) when legal questions arise, rather than deferring to the original decision. This applies to anyone denied access to public records, including victims in criminal cases who can now appeal denials within their criminal case. The bill changes the standard for courts to independently assess whether an exception to disclosure applies, rather than simply reviewing the initial denial. It does not create new access rights but alters how courts evaluate such denials.