Bill > SB434

This bill, known as the "Protect Our Constitution Act," proposes a significant change to the Arkansas Constitution's amendment process by increasing the threshold for approving constitutional amendments. Currently, constitutional amendments can be passed by a majority of votes cast, but the bill would require approval by a majority of all registered voters in the state. This means that for a constitutional amendment to be enacted, it would need to receive more than 50% of the total number of registered voters, not just a majority of those who vote in the election. The bill includes an emergency clause stating that this change is necessary to protect public peace, health, and safety by ensuring constitutional amendments have broader support. The bill also modifies language about conflicting measures, specifying that if multiple measures are approved in the same election, the one with the highest number of affirmative votes will become law. The proposed changes would take effect immediately upon approval and are intended to be in place for the 2026 general election.

Government Affairs

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=sb434&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R