WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1223

TO ALLOW A CANDIDATE FOR THE OFFICE OF JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT OR JUDGE OF THE COURT OF APPEALS WHO IS SERVING IN THAT POSITION AS AN APPOINTEE TO USE THE TITLE OF THAT POSITION AS A PREFIX ON THE BALLOT.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Ben Gilmore and 1 co-sponsor

HB 1223 allows Arkansas judicial appointees to use their official titles on ballots, enhancing candidate visibility and helping voters make informed choices.

Notification that HB1223 is now Act 126
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1223

Summary of House Bill 1223 (HB 1223)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1223 (HB 1223) aims to amend existing laws regarding the use of titles on ballots for candidates running for nonpartisan judicial offices in Arkansas. Specifically, the bill allows candidates who are currently serving as appointees in the positions of Justice of the Supreme Court or Judge of the Court of Appeals to use their official titles as prefixes on the ballot. This change is intended to provide clarity and recognition for appointees seeking election to these judicial positions.

Key Provisions

  • Amendment to Ballot Title Usage: The bill modifies Arkansas Code § 7-7-305(c)(1)(B) to permit candidates for nonpartisan judicial offices to use their current titles as prefixes on the ballot, under specific conditions.
  • Eligibility Criteria:
    • Candidates must be currently serving in a nonpartisan judicial office as an appointee.
    • They must have held this position for at least twelve (12) months prior to the election.
  • Applicable Positions: The bill specifically applies to candidates for:
    • Justice of the Supreme Court
    • Judge of the Court of Appeals
    • Circuit Judge
    • District Judge

Impact

  • Candidates: This bill directly affects candidates for the specified judicial offices, allowing them to enhance their visibility and recognition on the ballot by using their official titles.
  • Voters: Voters may benefit from clearer identification of candidates, potentially aiding in informed voting decisions.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: January 24, 2025
  • Committee Actions: The bill was reviewed and recommended for passage by the Committee on State Agencies & Governmental Affairs in both the House and Senate.
  • Passage:
    • Passed the House on February 6, 2025.
    • Passed the Senate on February 17, 2025.
  • Enactment: The bill was correctly enrolled and transmitted to the Governor's Office on February 18, 2025, and subsequently became Act 126 on February 20, 2025.

Conclusion

HB 1223 represents a legislative effort to modernize the ballot process for nonpartisan judicial elections in Arkansas, ensuring that appointees can leverage their titles to enhance their candidacy visibility. This change is expected to streamline the electoral process and improve voter awareness regarding candidates in judicial elections.

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

Sign in to ask a question.