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Bill Summary · HB 1369

Summary of House Bill 1369

Bill Number: HB 1369
Title: Relating to Taxation
Status: Vetoed on 07/03/2025 - Returned from the Governor without approval (Gov. Msg. No. 1403)
Introduced: February 03, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Campaign Contribution Limits

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1369 aimed to amend existing laws regarding campaign contribution limits in Arkansas. The bill sought to empower the Arkansas Ethics Commission to establish and adjust the maximum campaign contribution limits, thereby enhancing transparency and efficiency in campaign financing. The intent was to standardize campaign finance laws to promote clarity and prevent unintentional violations.

Key Provisions

  1. Amendment of Campaign Contribution Limits:

    • The bill proposed to amend Arkansas Code § 7-6-203 to allow the Arkansas Ethics Commission to set maximum campaign contribution limits by rule.
    • The base amount for contributions was set at $2,000 as of January 1, 2015, with adjustments made every odd-numbered year based on federal labor statistics.

  2. Adjustment Mechanism:

    • The maximum contribution limit would be adjusted according to the percentage certified by the U.S. Secretary of Labor to the Federal Election Commission.
    • Adjustments would occur no later than 30 days following certification or at the next scheduled meeting of the Arkansas Ethics Commission.

  3. Emergency Clause:

    • The bill included an emergency clause, stating that the changes were necessary for the preservation of public peace, health, and safety, and would take effect immediately upon approval or upon the expiration of the veto period.

  4. Publication and Transparency:

    • The Arkansas Ethics Commission was required to publish the adjusted contribution limits on its official website and make them accessible to the public and relevant stakeholders.

Impact

  • Candidates and Political Entities: The bill would have directly affected candidates for public office, political parties, and political action committees by establishing clear contribution limits and reducing the risk of unintentional violations of campaign finance laws.
  • Public Transparency: By standardizing and publishing contribution limits, the bill aimed to enhance transparency in political financing, allowing voters to better understand the financial dynamics of campaigns.

Legislative Timeline

  • February 03, 2025: Bill introduced and passed first reading.
  • March 04, 2025: Passed third reading in the House with an emergency clause adopted.
  • March 05, 2025: Senate amendment adopted; bill passed in the Senate.
  • March 12, 2025: Notification that HB 1369 is now Act 270.
  • July 03, 2025: Vetoed by the Governor, returning the bill without approval.

Conclusion

House Bill 1369 represented a significant effort to reform campaign finance laws in Arkansas by establishing a clear framework for contribution limits. Despite its passage through the legislative process, the bill was ultimately vetoed, highlighting ongoing debates around campaign finance regulation in the state.

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

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