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SB 188

Relating to: reduction of penalty surcharge when certain fines or forfeitures reduced. (FE)

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dan Feyen

Senate Bill 188 enhances transparency by requiring public posting of initiative and referendum petitions, empowering voters with information before signature collection.

Published 4-9-2026
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 188

Summary of Senate Bill 188

Bill Number: SB 188
Title: Relating to a State Permitting Office
Status: Referred to GVO/TCA/PSM, WAM/JDC
Introduced: February 04, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Appropriation ($), DOT, State Permitting Office

Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 188 aims to amend Arkansas law regarding initiative and referendum petitions. The primary intent of the bill is to enhance transparency and accessibility by requiring the public posting of statewide initiative and referendum petitions. This change is designed to ensure that voters have access to information about proposed measures before they are circulated for signatures.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several significant amendments to the existing Arkansas Code § 7-9-107, including:

  1. Filing Requirements:

    • Sponsors of initiative or referendum petitions must submit the original draft to the Attorney General before gathering signatures.
    • The original draft must include:
      • The full text of the proposed measure.
      • A ballot title.
      • A popular name for the measure.

  2. Certification Process:

    • The Attorney General has ten business days to approve or substitute a more suitable ballot title and popular name.
    • After certification, sponsors must provide the Secretary of State with specific information within five business days, including:
      • The full text of the proposed measure.
      • The certified ballot title and popular name.
      • The Attorney General's certification letter.

  3. Public Posting:

    • The Secretary of State is required to post the provided information on their website within five days of receipt.
    • This information will remain available until the day after the next general election, unless certain conditions are met (e.g., the measure fails to qualify for the ballot).

  4. Misleading Titles:

    • If the Attorney General finds that the ballot title is misleading, they can reject it and instruct sponsors to redesign the measure.

  5. Compliance and Enforcement:

    • If sponsors fail to comply with the filing requirements, it will not affect the validity of signatures collected.

Impact

The passage of SB 188 would primarily affect:

  • Voters: Increased access to information about proposed measures will empower voters to make informed decisions.
  • Sponsors of Initiatives and Referendums: They will face new requirements for transparency and compliance, which may affect how they organize and promote their measures.
  • State Officials: The Attorney General and Secretary of State will have additional responsibilities in the certification and posting processes.

Procedural Timeline

  • February 04, 2025: Bill filed and read for the first time.
  • February 19, 2025: Amendment #1 adopted, and the bill was reported correctly engrossed.
  • March 03, 2025: Bill passed in the Senate and transmitted to the House.
  • March 10, 2025: Bill passed in the House and ordered enrolled.
  • March 12, 2025: Notification that SB 188 is now Act 272.

This summary provides an overview of Senate Bill 188, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on the legislative process in Arkansas.

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

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