Bill > HB1040

This bill, known as the Water in Line Act of 2025, seeks to repeal a specific provision of Arkansas election law (Act 728 of 2021) that previously restricted activities within 100 feet of a polling place. The bill's legislative findings highlight that the existing law created criminal penalties that, in some cases, prohibited volunteers from providing water or food to voters waiting in line, prevented family members from accompanying elderly or disabled voters, and restricted children from joining their parents in voting lines. By repealing this specific section of the law (Arkansas Code § 7-1-103(a)(24)), the bill aims to remove these restrictions while explicitly noting that the state's existing electioneering prohibition (which prevents political campaigning within 100 feet of a polling place) will remain in effect. The bill's primary intent appears to be ensuring that voters can receive basic assistance and support while waiting to vote without fear of criminal prosecution.

Government Affairs

https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1040&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R