WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1078

LIQUOR-DIRECT SHIPPING

104th Regular Session Introduced by Dan Didech

HB 1078 aimed to require runoff elections for Arkansas Senate and House candidates without a majority, enhancing voter engagement and ensuring majority support.

Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1078

Summary of House Bill 1078

Bill Number: HB 1078
Title: To Amend Arkansas Law Concerning Runoff Elections; and to Provide for a Runoff Election for Candidates for the Senate and the House of Representatives
Status: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment
Introduced: January 07, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1078 aimed to amend existing Arkansas law regarding runoff elections specifically for candidates running for the Arkansas Senate and House of Representatives. The bill sought to establish a clear process for conducting runoff elections when no candidate receives a majority of votes in a general election.

Key Provisions

The bill proposed the following significant changes to Arkansas election law:

  1. Runoff Election Requirement:

    • If no candidate for the Senate or House of Representatives receives a majority of the votes in a general election, a special runoff election would be held between the two candidates with the highest vote counts.
    • This runoff election would occur four weeks after the general election.

  2. Election Procedures:

    • The special runoff election would be conducted using the same procedures as current elections, ensuring consistency in the electoral process.
    • Polling sites used in the general election would also be utilized for the runoff election.

  3. Tie-Breaking Mechanism:

    • In the event of a tie in the runoff election, the winner would be determined by lot in an open public meeting, ensuring transparency in the process.

  4. Exemptions:

    • The provisions for runoff elections would not apply to certain high-profile offices, including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, and various judicial positions.

Impact

The implementation of HB 1078 would have affected candidates running for the Arkansas Senate and House of Representatives by providing a structured process for runoff elections, thereby potentially increasing voter engagement and ensuring that elected officials have majority support.

Legislative Timeline

  • January 07, 2025: Bill filed.
  • January 13, 2025: Read for the first time; rules suspended; read a second time and referred to the Committee on State Agencies & Governmental Affairs.
  • January 23, 2025: Amendment No. 1 adopted; bill reported correctly engrossed.
  • May 05, 2025: Bill died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.

Conclusion

While HB 1078 aimed to enhance the electoral process for legislative candidates in Arkansas by instituting runoff elections, it ultimately did not progress beyond the committee stage. The proposed changes reflect ongoing discussions about electoral reform and the importance of majority representation in legislative elections.

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

Sign in to ask a question.