Bill > SB208

This bill amends Arkansas law to require petition canvassers to view a potential petitioner's photo identification before obtaining their signature on initiative and referendum petitions. Specifically, canvassers must visually verify the identity of a person using an approved form of photo identification before collecting their signature. If a canvasser cannot verify the potential petitioner's identity, they are prohibited from obtaining a signature. The bill also stipulates that a canvasser who submits an affidavit swearing to the authenticity of signatures but fails to check photo ID will be considered to have made a false statement. The legislation defines "photo identification" as a document permitted under existing Arkansas election law. The bill includes a severability clause to ensure that if any part of the law is found invalid, the rest of the law can still be enforced. An emergency clause is included, with the stated purpose of protecting the integrity of the citizen-initiated legislative process and ensuring the law can be implemented in time for the 2026 general election. The emergency clause allows 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=sb208&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R