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AR SB586

AR SB586
To Create The "protect Our Constitution Act"; And Amending A Portion Of The Arkansas Constitution As Authorized By Arkansas Constitution, Article 5, § 1.


summary

Introduced
03/31/2025
In Committee
04/01/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
05/05/2025

Introduced Session

95th General Assembly (2025 Regular)

Bill Summary

AN ACT TO BE KNOWN AS THE "PROTECT OUR CONSTITUTION ACT"; CONCERNING THE PERCENTAGE OF VOTES REQUIRED FOR APPROVAL OF A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT REFERRED TO VOTERS UNDER ARKANSAS CONSTITUTION, ARTICLE 5, SECTION 1; AMENDING ARKANSAS CONSTITUTION, ARTICLE 5, § 1, AS AUTHORIZED BY THAT PROVISION OF THE ARKANSAS CONSTITUTION; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

AI Summary

This bill, known as the "Protect Our Constitution Act", proposes two key amendments to the Arkansas Constitution regarding voter initiatives and constitutional amendments. First, the bill modifies the voting requirements for constitutional amendments, raising the approval threshold from a simple majority (over 50%) to a two-thirds (66.67%) majority of votes cast. This means that future proposed constitutional amendments would require broader support to be enacted. Second, the bill updates the language around conflicting measures submitted to voters, clarifying that in cases of multiple competing measures, the one receiving the highest number of affirmative votes will become law. The bill includes an emergency clause emphasizing the importance of these changes to public peace, health, and safety, and stipulates that the amendments should be in place for the 2026 general election. The bill is authorized under Arkansas Constitution, Article 5, § 1, which allows for constitutional amendments through legislative action, and it seeks to make the process of amending the state constitution more rigorous by requiring a higher level of voter consensus.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Died on Senate Calendar at Sine Die adjournment. (on 05/05/2025)

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