Bill > SB291

This bill amends Arkansas election law to modify the process and timelines for filing and investigating complaints about potential election law violations. The changes include shifting the window for filing complaints to between 49 days before and 49 days after an election (previously a more restrictive timeline), extending the State Board of Election Commissioners' investigation period to 182 days (from 180 days), and adjusting various procedural details around complaint investigations. The bill also modifies confidentiality provisions, allowing election records to become publicly accessible 30 days after a final decision is made and permitting the Board to disclose confidential information to law enforcement when necessary. Additionally, the bill provides that if the Board fails to take final action within 182 days, the administrative action will be automatically effective. The changes aim to provide more flexibility in election complaint processes while maintaining oversight mechanisms, and they apply to a wide range of potential election law issues including voter registration, absentee ballot handling, ballot casting and tabulation, and overall election administration.

Government Affairs

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=sb291&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R