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Bill Summary · SB 351

Summary of Senate Bill 351 (SB 351)

Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 351 (SB 351) aims to amend existing laws concerning ethics and campaign finance in the state of Arkansas. The bill seeks to enhance transparency and accountability in campaign contributions and expenditures, particularly in relation to the use of campaign funds as personal income.

Key Provisions

SB 351 introduces several amendments to the Arkansas Code, specifically targeting campaign finance regulations. The main provisions include:

  1. Prohibition on Contributions:

    • It becomes unlawful for certain prospective contributors to make contributions to candidates for public office or individuals acting on their behalf, unless they fall under specified categories.

  2. Use of Campaign Funds:

    • Candidates or officeholders assessed fines by the Arkansas Ethics Commission for misusing campaign funds as personal income cannot use campaign funds to pay these fines.
    • If a candidate uses campaign funds to pay such fines, they will be deemed to have taken those funds as personal income.

  3. Record Keeping:

    • Candidates, political parties, and committees must maintain detailed records of all contributions and expenditures to ensure compliance with campaign finance laws.

  4. Reporting Requirements:

    • Candidates retaining campaign funds after an election must continue to file reports if they raise or expend those funds for future campaigns or officeholder expenses.
    • Final reports must indicate how surplus campaign funds are disposed of, including amounts retained.

  5. Political Action Committees (PACs):

    • PACs must indicate their intent to terminate registration in their quarterly reports and will be automatically terminated after two years of inactivity.

  6. Exploratory Committees:

    • Exploratory committees must file monthly reports detailing contributions and expenditures, with specific requirements for reporting significant contributions.

Affected Parties

The bill primarily affects:
- Candidates for public office in Arkansas.
- Political parties and political action committees.
- The Arkansas Ethics Commission, which will enforce the new regulations.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: February 28, 2025
  • Status: Carried over to the 2024 Regular Session.
  • Legislative Actions: The bill has undergone multiple readings and amendments, with significant actions including:
    • Reported correctly enrolled and ordered delivered to the Governor on April 9, 2025.
    • Passed through various committees and readings in both the Senate and House.

Conclusion

SB 351 represents a significant step towards reforming campaign finance laws in Arkansas, aiming to increase ethical standards and accountability among candidates and political entities. By establishing clearer guidelines on contributions, expenditures, and reporting, the bill seeks to promote transparency in the electoral process.

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

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