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SB 308

Relating to: a grant to assist in the purchase and renovation of an existing facility in the city of Chippewa Falls to provide a 50-bed treatment center to men with substance use disorders. (FE)

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jesse James and 1 co-sponsor

Senate Bill 308 streamlines Arkansas elections by removing write-in candidate references, impacting voter choice and election officials' roles in campaigns and absentee ballot counting.

Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 308

Summary of Senate Bill 308: Relating to Firearms

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: SB 308
  • Introduced: February 25, 2025
  • Current Status: The committee(s) on JHA recommend(s) that the measure be deferred.
  • Subject: Detachable Magazines, Firearms

Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 308 aims to amend existing laws concerning write-in candidates in the state of Arkansas. The bill seeks to streamline the election process by removing references to write-in candidates from various sections of the Arkansas Code. This legislative change is intended to clarify the qualifications and responsibilities of election officials and to simplify the counting of absentee ballots.

Key Provisions

  1. Amendments to Election Laws:
    • Section 1: Modifies Arkansas Code § 7-4-109(c)(2)(A) to prohibit county election commissioners from participating in campaigns for any candidates, including write-in candidates, within their jurisdiction.
    • Section 2: Revises Arkansas Code § 7-5-416(e)(2)(A) and (B) to change the process for counting absentee ballots, allowing for discretion in counting methods by the county board of election commissioners.
    • Section 3: Updates Arkansas Code § 7-5-615(e) to clarify that the returns printed by electronic vote tabulating devices will constitute the official returns, including write-in, early, and absentee votes.
    • Section 4: Repeals the requirement for write-in candidates to file a political practices pledge at the time of filing their notice.
    • Section 5: Repeals the deadline for filing as a write-in candidate in the context of filling a vacancy.

Impact

  • Affected Parties:
    • Election Officials: The bill will directly impact the responsibilities of county election commissioners and officials by restricting their involvement in candidate campaigns.
    • Write-in Candidates: The removal of references to write-in candidates may limit their ability to participate in elections, potentially affecting voter choice.
    • Voters: The changes in absentee ballot counting may streamline the voting process, potentially leading to quicker results.

Procedural Timeline

  • February 25, 2025: Bill filed and read for the first time.
  • March 3, 2025: Passed the Senate and ordered transmitted to the House.
  • March 6, 2025: Reported correctly engrossed and passed in the House with amendments.
  • March 11, 2025: The bill was ordered enrolled and delivered to the Governor.
  • March 12, 2025: Notification that SB 308 is now Act 284.
  • March 13, 2025: The committee(s) on JHA recommended that the measure be deferred.

Conclusion

Senate Bill 308 represents a significant shift in the treatment of write-in candidates within Arkansas's election framework. By removing references to these candidates and adjusting the roles of election officials, the bill aims to simplify the electoral process. However, it may also limit options for voters and alter the landscape for potential write-in candidates.

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

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