CONCERNING VOTER REGISTRATION LISTS; AND TO ALLOW THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO PROVIDE A VOTER REGISTRATION LIST TO FEDERAL COURTS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Matt McKee and 1 co-sponsor

Act 840 allows Arkansas' Secretary of State to share voter registration lists with federal courts for jury selection, ensuring only eligible individuals are considered.

Notification that HB1870 is now Act 840

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1870, now known as Act 840, was introduced to amend existing laws regarding voter registration lists in Arkansas. The primary intent of the bill is to allow the Secretary of State to provide voter registration lists to federal courts specifically for the purpose of selecting jurors. This aims to streamline the jury selection process while ensuring compliance with eligibility requirements.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several important provisions regarding the handling of voter registration lists:

Provision of Voter Registration Lists:

The Secretary of State is authorized to provide voter registration lists to federal courts for jury selection purposes.
Federal courts must notify the Secretary of State about any individuals deemed ineligible or potentially ineligible to serve as jurors.

Eligibility Criteria:

The bill outlines specific criteria for disqualification from jury service, including:
- Noncitizens of the United States
- Individuals convicted of a felony
- Deceased individuals
- Nonresidents of Arkansas
- Nonresidents of the county where the jury is being selected

Notification Requirements:

Federal court jury coordinators are required to send a notice to the Secretary of State that includes:
- The full name and contact information of each disqualified juror
- The reason for disqualification
This notice can be sent via mail, fax, or email.

Verification and Removal:

Upon receiving the notice, the Secretary of State must verify the disqualification status of the individuals listed.
If confirmed, the Secretary of State will forward this information to the appropriate county clerk, who is then responsible for removing the ineligible voters from the registration list.

Affected Parties

Federal Courts: Will gain access to accurate voter registration lists for jury selection.

Secretary of State: Will have new responsibilities regarding the verification and processing of voter eligibility.

County Clerks: Will be tasked with updating voter registration lists based on the information received from the Secretary of State.

Procedural Timeline

Introduced: March 20, 2025

Amendments: The bill underwent amendments on April 3, 2025, which were adopted to clarify language and improve the bill's structure.

Legislative Actions:

Passed by the House and Senate on April 14, 2025.
Correctly enrolled and transmitted to the Governor's Office on April 15, 2025.
Officially became Act 840 on April 17, 2025.

Conclusion

House Bill 1870 (Act 840) represents a significant change in how voter registration lists are managed in relation to federal jury selection. By allowing the Secretary of State to provide these lists, the bill aims to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of the jury selection process while ensuring that only eligible individuals are considered for service.

Bill