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HB 1222

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2025 Regular Session Introduced by Earl Harris and 1 co-sponsor

House Bill 1222 clarifies ballot titles and prevents conflicting petitions in Arkansas, enhancing voter understanding and streamlining the initiative process.

Authored by Representative Karickhoff
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Bill Summary · HB 1222

Summary of House Bill 1222

Bill Number: HB 1222
Title: Relating to Capital Improvement Projects for the Benefit of the Fiftieth Representative District
Status: Referred to FIN, referral sheet 4
Introduced: January 24, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Appropriation ($), CIP, Fiftieth Representative District

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1222 aims to amend existing laws regarding initiative and referendum petitions in the state of Arkansas. The primary intent is to ensure that ballot titles are clear and do not conflict with the United States Constitution or federal statutes. Additionally, the bill seeks to prohibit the submission of conflicting initiative and referendum petitions, thereby streamlining the process for voters and reducing confusion.

Key Provisions

  1. Attorney General Review:

    • The Attorney General is required to review ballot titles for potential conflicts with the U.S. Constitution and federal laws.
    • If a ballot title is deemed misleading or in conflict with federal law, the Attorney General can reject it and instruct petitioners to revise their proposals.

  2. Prohibition of Conflicting Petitions:

    • Sponsors are prohibited from submitting multiple initiative or referendum petitions that conflict with each other.
    • Conflicting measures are defined as those covering the same subject matter but containing different language.

  3. Submission Conditions:

    • Sponsors may submit a conflicting petition only after the next general election following the certification of an existing petition or if a previously submitted petition was rejected.

  4. Severability Clause:

    • The bill includes a severability clause, ensuring that if any provision is found invalid, the remaining provisions will still be effective.

Impact

  • Voters: The bill aims to provide clearer ballot titles, which may enhance voter understanding and participation in the electoral process.
  • Petition Sponsors: Organizations and individuals proposing initiatives will face stricter guidelines regarding the submission of petitions, potentially impacting their strategy and planning.
  • Legal Framework: The bill reinforces the role of the Attorney General in overseeing the integrity of ballot measures, which may lead to more rigorous scrutiny of proposed initiatives.

Procedural Timeline

  • January 24, 2025: Bill filed and introduced.
  • February 6, 2025: Amendment No. 1 adopted; bill engrossed.
  • February 10, 2025: Bill passed in the House and transmitted to the Senate.
  • February 18, 2025: Bill passed in the Senate and returned to the House.
  • February 25, 2025: Notification that HB 1222 is now Act 154.

This summary provides an overview of House Bill 1222, 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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