Bill > SB211

This bill amends Arkansas law to require petition canvassers (individuals who collect signatures for initiative or referendum petitions) to submit a sworn affidavit to the Secretary of State before their collected signatures can be counted. The affidavit must certify that the canvasser has complied with Arkansas Constitution and state laws regarding petition signature collection, including rules about perjury, forgery, and fraudulent practices. If a canvasser fails to submit this affidavit, their collected signatures will not be counted. The bill includes an exception for canvassers who cannot submit an affidavit due to death or medical disability, and stipulates that after filing an initial affidavit, a canvasser cannot collect additional signatures unless the petition sponsor is granted an amendment. The bill also includes a severability clause to ensure that if any part of the law is found invalid, the rest of the law remains in effect, and an emergency clause declaring the immediate importance of strengthening the integrity of the citizen-led initiative process for the 2026 general election.

Government Affairs

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=sb211&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R