Bill > SB584

This bill amends Arkansas law to clarify and modify procedures for local and statewide initiative and referendum petitions. The bill introduces a new definition of "local" to mean a county or municipality and updates various provisions related to petition processes to distinguish between statewide and local initiatives. Key changes include requiring paid canvassers to provide their names and addresses to either the Secretary of State (for statewide petitions) or the county clerk (for local petitions), expanding reporting and certification requirements for petition sponsors, and adding new legal review and documentation requirements for county initiative and referendum petitions. The bill strengthens rules around signature collection, such as prohibiting payment based on the number of signatures obtained, mandating canvassers file affidavits certifying compliance with election laws, and allowing election officials to disqualify signatures if canvassing rules are violated. These modifications aim to increase transparency, reduce potential fraud, and ensure more rigorous standards for initiative and referendum petition processes at both the state and local levels.

Government Affairs

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=sb584&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R