Open and Public Meetings; county or joint boards of election or boards of election and registration to conduct meetings via teleconference; authorize

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sally Harrell and 2 co-sponsors

SB 353 updates election dates for school, primary, and special elections in Arkansas, enhancing voter participation and aligning with key electoral events.

Senate Read and Referred

#stategovernment

# Summary of Senate Bill 353 (SB 353) ## Overview Senate Bill 353 (SB 353) is a legislative proposal introduced in the State of Arkansas aimed at amending existing laws concerning the scheduling of elections, including primary elections, school elections, and special elections. The bill also proposes changes to the timing of the fiscal session of the General Assembly. ## Main Purpose and Intent The primary intent of SB 353 is to: - **Amend the dates for various elections** to ensure they align with specific timelines, particularly in relation to presidential and gubernatorial election years. - **Change the date of the fiscal session** of the General Assembly to facilitate better planning and coordination of legislative activities. ## Key Provisions ### Election Dates 1. **Annual School Elections**: - In even-numbered years, school elections will occur on the same date as the preferential primary or general elections. - In odd-numbered years, elections will be held on the second Tuesday in November or the first Tuesday after the first Monday in March. 2. **Primary Elections**: - The general primary election will be held on the third Tuesday in June in years when the Governor is on the ballot. - The preferential primary election will occur four weeks before the general primary election or on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in March in presidential election years. 3. **Candidate Filing Procedures**: - The order of candidates on the ballot will be determined by a public drawing held by the county board of election commissioners. 4. **Special Elections**: - Special elections will generally be held on the second Tuesday of November in presidential election years, with specific provisions for other months. ### Fiscal Session Changes - The General Assembly will meet in a fiscal session at 12:00 noon on the second Monday in February in years when the preferential primary election is held in May. ## Affected Parties - **Voters**: Changes will affect when voters participate in school, primary, and special elections. - **Election Officials**: Local election officials will need to adjust their planning and operations to accommodate the new dates. - **Legislators**: The timing of the fiscal session will impact how legislators prepare for budgetary discussions and appropriations. ## Procedural Aspects - **Introduced**: March 3, 2025 - **Status**: The bill has been carried over to the 2024 Regular Session and is currently under consideration. - **Amendments**: The bill has undergone multiple amendments to refine its provisions, including adjustments to the language and specific dates. ## Conclusion SB 353 seeks to streamline the electoral process in Arkansas by updating the scheduling of elections and the fiscal session of the General Assembly. By aligning these dates with significant electoral events, the bill aims to enhance voter participation and legislative efficiency. For further details, stakeholders can refer to the full text of the bill and its amendments as they progress through the legislative process.