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HB 1221

TO AMEND ARKANSAS LAW CONCERNING INITIATIVES, REFERENDA, AND CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Kim Hammer and 1 co-sponsor

House Bill 1221 strengthens Arkansas' initiative process by ensuring valid signatures for petitions, enhancing public trust ahead of the 2026 general election.

Notification that HB1221 is now Act 153
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1221

Summary of House Bill 1221 (Act 153)

Bill Number: HB 1221
Title: To Amend Arkansas Law Concerning Initiatives, Referenda, and Constitutional Amendments; and to Declare an Emergency
Status: Now Act 153
Introduced: January 24, 2025
Emergency Declaration: Yes

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1221 aims to amend existing Arkansas laws related to the processes of initiatives, referenda, and constitutional amendments. The primary intent of the bill is to enhance the integrity of the initiative process, ensuring that citizens can propose legislative changes with confidence in the validity of signatures collected for such measures. The bill declares an emergency, indicating that immediate implementation is necessary to maintain public trust and facilitate the upcoming 2026 general election.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several amendments to the Arkansas Code, specifically targeting the signing and verification of initiative and referendum petitions:

  1. Signature Validity:

    • A signature on an initiative or referendum petition is invalid if obtained after the next general election following the certification of the ballot title and popular name.

  2. Certification Expiration:

    • The certification of a ballot title and popular name will expire on the date of the next general election after its certification.

  3. Signature Counting Criteria:

    • The bill outlines specific criteria under which signatures will not be counted, including:
      • Non-original signatures.
      • Signatures that are illegible or not from the purported signer.
      • Signatures lacking personally identifying information.
      • Signatures collected before the submission and approval of the ballot title.
      • Signatures obtained after the expiration date set by the bill.

  4. Severability Clause:

    • If any provision of the act is found invalid, the remaining provisions will still be enforceable.

  5. Emergency Clause:

    • The bill emphasizes the critical nature of maintaining the integrity of the initiative process and declares that any delay in implementation could disrupt the process for the 2026 general election.

Affected Parties

The amendments will primarily affect:
- Citizens: Individuals who wish to initiate or support legislative changes through petitions.
- Election Officials: Those responsible for verifying signatures and ensuring compliance with the new regulations.
- Legislators: The bill may influence how future initiatives and referenda are proposed and processed.

Procedural Timeline

  • January 24, 2025: Bill filed.
  • February 5, 2025: Passed by the House Committee.
  • February 6, 2025: Passed by the House and sent to the Senate.
  • February 13, 2025: Returned by the Senate Committee with a recommendation to pass.
  • February 18, 2025: Passed by the Senate, emergency clause adopted.
  • February 20, 2025: Correctly enrolled and transmitted to the Governor.
  • February 25, 2025: Notification that HB 1221 is now Act 153.

Conclusion

House Bill 1221 represents a significant change in the way Arkansas manages initiatives and referenda, focusing on ensuring the integrity of the signature collection process. By implementing these amendments, the state aims to bolster public confidence in the democratic process and prepare for the upcoming electoral cycle.

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

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