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HB 1147

AN ACT FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.

2025 Regular Session

Arkansas approves fiscal 2025-2026 appropriations for Secretary of State office, effective immediately under emergency provision for election and administrative functions.

Notification that HB1147 is now Act 408
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Bill Summary · HB 1147

Legislative bill overview

HB 1147 is an appropriations bill that allocates funding to Arkansas's Secretary of State office for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The bill was passed with an emergency clause, meaning it took effect immediately upon the Governor's signature rather than waiting for the standard effective date. It became Act 408 on March 25, 2025.

Why is this important

Appropriations bills directly determine what government agencies can spend money on and how much they have available. The Secretary of State handles voter registration, elections administration, business licensing, and public records—functions that require adequate funding to operate effectively. The emergency clause indicates the legislature considered immediate funding critical to ongoing state operations.

Potential points of contention

  • Lack of specific detail in available information: The summary provided does not specify the actual dollar amount appropriated or how funds are distributed among the Secretary of State's various functions, making it difficult to assess whether the budget is adequate or excessive
  • Election administration funding: Given recent national debates over election costs, some may question whether the appropriation sufficiently funds voting infrastructure and security measures
  • Emergency clause justification: While emergency clauses are standard for some appropriations bills, the specific rationale for expedited passage is not explained in available records

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

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