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HJR 1007

A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO CREATE A PROCEDURE FOR THE RECALL OF CERTAIN ELECTED OFFICIALS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Fran Cavenaugh

HJR 1007 sought to empower Arkansas voters to recall elected officials by establishing a formal process, enhancing accountability in governance.

Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
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Bill Summary · HJR 1007

Summary of HJR 1007: Constitutional Amendment for Recall of Elected Officials

Bill Number: HJR 1007
Title: A Constitutional Amendment to Create a Procedure for the Recall of Certain Elected Officials
Status: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment
Introduced: January 22, 2025
Classification: Joint Resolution

Purpose and Intent

HJR 1007 aimed to amend the Arkansas Constitution to establish a formal procedure for the recall of various elected officials. The intent of the bill was to empower voters with a mechanism to remove elected officials from office before the end of their term, thereby enhancing accountability and responsiveness in governance.

Key Provisions

The proposed amendment included several significant provisions:

  1. Definition of Elected Officials:

    • The amendment defined "elected official" to include a wide range of positions, such as:
      • Governor
      • Lieutenant Governor
      • Attorney General
      • Secretary of State
      • Members of the House and Senate
      • Various judges and county officials

  2. Recall Process:

    • Initiation: A recall could be initiated by filing a notice of intent with the Secretary of State.
    • Petition Requirements:
      • A recall petition must gather signatures from at least 25% of the votes cast for Governor in the last election.
      • For statewide officials, signatures must come from at least 50 different counties.
    • Filing Timeline: The recall petition had to be filed within 60 to 80 days after the notice of intent.

  3. Verification of Signatures:

    • The Secretary of State (or Attorney General if the Secretary is the subject of the recall) would have 30 days to verify the petition's sufficiency.
    • If deemed insufficient, the petitioners could amend the petition within 30 days to address any deficiencies.

  4. Notification Requirements:

    • The official targeted for recall must be notified by certified mail within five days of the notice of intent being filed.

Impact

If enacted, HJR 1007 would have provided a structured process for voters to hold elected officials accountable, potentially affecting a wide range of public servants at both state and local levels. The amendment aimed to enhance democratic engagement by allowing constituents to remove officials who they believe are not fulfilling their duties.

Legislative Timeline

  • January 22, 2025: Bill filed and read for the first time, with rules suspended for a second reading and referral to the Committee on State Agencies & Governmental Affairs.
  • May 5, 2025: The bill died in the House Committee at Sine Die adjournment, meaning it did not progress to a vote or further consideration.

Conclusion

HJR 1007 represented an effort to introduce a recall mechanism into Arkansas law, reflecting a desire for increased accountability among elected officials. Despite its introduction, the bill did not advance through the legislative process, highlighting the challenges of amending state constitutions.

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

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