Relating to: the freedom to gather in places of worship during a state of emergency (second consideration).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Julian Bradley and 7 co-sponsors

SJR 4 aimed to simplify Arkansas school elections by canceling votes when tax rates remain unchanged, reducing costs and voter fatigue for school districts and residents.

Failed to adopt pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1

Bill Overview

Bill Number: SJR 4
Title: An Amendment to the Arkansas Constitution to Provide that the Annual School Election Shall Not Be Held if the Proposed Rate of Tax Levy is the Same as Last Approved and No Other Matters are to be Decided.
Status: Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment
Introduced: January 21, 2025
Classification: Joint Resolution

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of SJR 4 is to streamline the annual school election process in Arkansas by eliminating unnecessary elections when there are no changes to the tax levy rate. This amendment aims to reduce administrative costs and voter fatigue by ensuring that elections are only held when there are significant changes or new matters to be decided.

Key Provisions

Tax Levy Approval: The amendment specifies that if the proposed rate of ad valorem tax for school maintenance and operation is the same as the rate last approved by voters, it will not appear on the ballot.

Election Requirement: If the tax levy does not appear on the ballot and there are no other matters to be decided, the annual school election will not be held.

Budget Preparation: School district boards must prepare and make public a proposed budget and tax levy at least 60 days before the annual school election.

Tax Collection: If approved by a majority of voters, the tax will be collected at the rate last approved. If disapproved, the tax will revert to the last approved rate unless modified.

Affected Parties

School Districts: The amendment directly impacts school districts by changing the process for annual tax elections, potentially reducing the frequency of elections.

Voters: Qualified voters in school districts will experience fewer ballots, reducing the number of elections they need to participate in when there are no changes to tax rates.

Procedural Aspects

Effective Date: If passed, the amendment would take effect on January 1, 2027.

Election Submission: The proposed amendment was to be submitted to voters at the next general election for approval or rejection.

Legislative Actions: The bill was filed on January 21, 2025, and after being read and referred to the Senate Committee, it ultimately died in committee on May 5, 2025.

Conclusion

SJR 4 sought to amend the Arkansas Constitution to simplify the annual school election process by eliminating unnecessary elections when tax rates remain unchanged. While the bill did not advance past committee, its provisions aimed to enhance efficiency in school funding decisions and reduce the burden on voters.

Bill