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SJR 13

A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO ALLOW A CANDIDATE FOR SUPREME COURT JUSTICE, COURT OF APPEALS JUDGE, CIRCUIT JUDGE, OR DISTRICT JUDGE TO DECLARE HIS OR HER PARTY AFFILIATION OR INDEPENDENT STATUS WHEN RUNNING FOR JUDICIAL OFFICE.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jim Dotson and 1 co-sponsor

SJR 13 aimed to amend Arkansas's Constitution, allowing judicial candidates to declare party affiliations on ballots, enhancing voter transparency in elections.

Died on Senate Calendar at Sine Die adjournment.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SJR 13

Summary of Senate Joint Resolution 13 (SJR 13)

Purpose and Intent

Senate Joint Resolution 13 (SJR 13) aimed to amend the Arkansas Constitution to enhance transparency in judicial elections. The resolution proposed that candidates for judicial offices—including Supreme Court Justices, Court of Appeals Judges, Circuit Judges, and District Judges—be allowed to declare their political party affiliation or independent status when running for office. This declaration would be reflected on the ballot, providing voters with clearer information about the candidates.

Key Provisions

SJR 13 included several important provisions:

  1. Declaration of Affiliation: Candidates for the specified judicial positions could choose to:

    • Declare their political party affiliation.
    • Identify as an independent candidate.

  2. Ballot Transparency: The candidates' declared affiliations would be displayed on the ballot, allowing voters to make more informed choices.

  3. Amendment to Existing Laws: The resolution proposed amendments to Amendment 80 of the Arkansas Constitution, specifically sections 17 and 18, which govern the election of circuit and district judges, as well as Supreme Court Justices and Court of Appeals Judges.

  4. Legislative Authority: The General Assembly would retain the authority to enact laws regarding:

    • The election procedures for circuit judges and district judges.
    • The qualifications for candidates wishing to identify their political party on the ballot.
    • The process for independent candidates to qualify for these judicial positions.

  5. Effective Date: If approved, the amendment would take effect on January 1, 2027.

  6. Ballot Title: The proposed amendment was to be titled "A Constitutional Amendment to Ensure Transparency in Judicial Elections to the Voters of Arkansas."

Impact

If enacted, SJR 13 would have impacted the electoral process for judicial offices in Arkansas by:
- Allowing voters to see candidates' political affiliations, potentially influencing their voting decisions.
- Changing the nonpartisan nature of judicial elections to include party identification, which could alter the dynamics of judicial campaigns.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: February 10, 2025
  • Committee Recommendation: Returned with a recommendation to pass on April 8, 2025.
  • Amendment Adoption: Amendment #1 was adopted on April 2, 2025.
  • Final Status: The resolution died on the Senate calendar at sine die adjournment on May 5, 2025.

Conclusion

SJR 13 represented an effort to increase transparency in Arkansas's judicial elections by allowing candidates to declare their political affiliations. Although it garnered some legislative support, it ultimately did not progress to a vote by the electorate.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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