Bill
SB 173
Senate Bill 173 clarifies Arkansas election laws, improving ballot duplication processes and lowering independent expenditure reporting thresholds for better transparency.
# Summary of Senate Bill 173 (SB 173)
## Purpose and Intent
Senate Bill 173 (SB 173) aims to make technical corrections to Title 7 of the Arkansas Code concerning elections. The bill is intended to clarify existing laws and ensure accurate references within the electoral framework of Arkansas.
## Key Provisions
SB 173 includes several significant provisions:
1. **Duplication of Damaged Ballots**:
- Reenacts Arkansas Code § 7-5-615(d), which outlines the process for duplicating damaged or defective ballots.
- Specifies that:
- A duplicate ballot must be created in the presence of another election official and designated poll watchers.
- The original ballot must be marked as "original," while the duplicate is marked as "duplicate."
- Both ballots must maintain the same unique serial number.
- The process for counting duplicated ballots is standardized to ensure consistency with other ballots.
2. **Independent Expenditures Reporting**:
- Reenacts Arkansas Code § 7-6-220(a)(1)(A) to correct a reference error by changing the threshold for reporting independent expenditures from "five-hundred-dollar" to "two-hundred-dollar."
- Requires that reports be filed no later than 15 days after the threshold is met.
3. **Interference with Initiative Petitions**:
- Reenacts Arkansas Code § 7-9-127(a)(6) to correct grammatical structure by changing the conjunction from "and" to "or," clarifying the conditions under which canvassers may misrepresent a petition.
4. **Legislative Intent**:
- Clarifies that the enactment of SB 173 does not repeal any acts passed during the regular session of the Ninety-Fifth General Assembly.
- Establishes that any conflicts with previous acts will treat those acts as subsequent legislation.
## Affected Parties
- **Election Officials**: The bill directly impacts election officials responsible for managing the ballot duplication process and ensuring compliance with reporting requirements.
- **Voters**: Voters may experience more reliable ballot counting processes, particularly in cases of damaged ballots.
- **Political Organizations**: Organizations making independent expenditures will need to adjust their reporting practices in line with the new threshold.
## Procedural Aspects
- **Status**: SB 173 was introduced on January 31, 2025, and has been carried over to the 2024 Regular Session.
- **Legislative Actions**: The bill has undergone several readings and committee reviews, with amendments made and recommendations for passage. It was reported from the Judiciary Committee and referred to the Ways and Means Committee (WAM).
- **Timeline**: The bill's progress includes multiple readings and committee actions, with significant dates including:
- **January 28, 2025**: Public hearing scheduled.
- **February 4, 2025**: Passed Second Reading, as amended.
## Conclusion
Senate Bill 173 serves to refine and clarify existing election laws in Arkansas, ensuring that technical errors are corrected and that the electoral process remains transparent and efficient. The bill's provisions aim to enhance the integrity of the voting process and improve the reporting mechanisms for independent expenditures.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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