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AR HB1713

AR HB1713
To Require Ballot Titles For Initiated Measures To Be At Or Under A Certain Reading Level; And To Declare An Emergency.


summary

Introduced
03/10/2025
In Committee
04/03/2025
Crossed Over
03/18/2025
Passed
04/09/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
04/14/2025

Introduced Session

95th General Assembly (2025 Regular)

Bill Summary

AN ACT TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE FILING OF AN ORIGINAL DRAFT BEFORE CIRCULATION AS AN INITIATIVE PETITION OR REFERENDUM PETITION; TO REQUIRE BALLOT TITLES FOR INITIATED MEASURES TO BE AT OR UNDER A CERTAIN READING LEVEL; TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

AI Summary

This bill requires ballot titles for initiated measures in Arkansas to be written at or below an eighth-grade reading level, as determined by the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level formula. Specifically, the Attorney General is prohibited from certifying a ballot title that exceeds an eighth-grade reading level and must instruct petitioners to redesign their proposed ballot title or measure if it does not meet this requirement. The bill includes legislative findings that emphasize the state's interest in protecting the integrity of the initiative and referendum process, preventing misleading or fraudulent measures, and ensuring voter understanding. The reading level requirement aims to make ballot titles more accessible and comprehensible to voters. The bill includes an emergency clause, which means it will become effective immediately upon approval by the Governor, and it will not apply to ballot titles already certified before its effective date. The underlying motivation appears to be increasing transparency and clarity in the initiative petition process by ensuring that ballot language is simple and easy to understand.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (20)

Last Action

Notification that HB1713 is now Act 602 (on 04/14/2025)

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