Bill > SB209

This bill amends Arkansas election law to allow the Secretary of State to disqualify petition signatures collected by a canvasser if there is evidence that the canvasser has violated laws related to canvassing, perjury, forgery, or fraudulent practices during the current election cycle. Specifically, the bill gives the Secretary of State the authority to invalidate signatures if they find, through a preponderance of evidence, that a canvasser has engaged in illegal activities during the signature collection process for initiative or referendum petitions. The bill includes a severability clause, which means that if any part of the law is found to be invalid, the rest of the law can still be enforced. Additionally, the bill includes an emergency clause that emphasizes the importance of maintaining the integrity of the citizen-led initiative process and declares the law immediately necessary to protect the public peace, health, and safety. The emergency provisions allow the law to take effect immediately upon approval by the Governor, expiration of the Governor's review period, or override of a potential veto.

Government Affairs

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=sb209&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R