Bill > HB1243

This bill modifies campaign finance reporting requirements for candidates in school district, township, municipal, and county elections. Specifically, it changes the reporting timeline and requirements for candidates, mandating monthly reports for candidates who may appear on a ballot in an election year, with detailed specifications about when and how these reports should be filed. The bill introduces new thresholds for reporting: candidates who have not received or spent over $500 are exempt from most reporting, while those who have received or spent between $500 and $5,000 are required to file only a pre-election report and a final report. Candidates must now file reports with the Secretary of State instead of the county clerk, and they must continue filing reports if they maintain remaining campaign funds and either raise money for future campaigns or spend funds on office-holder expenses. The bill also clarifies that filing fees paid from a candidate's personal funds do not count toward contribution or expenditure calculations. These changes aim to increase transparency in campaign finance by standardizing and simplifying reporting requirements for candidates at various local government levels in Arkansas.

Government Affairs

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1243&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R