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HB 1281

TO AMEND REPORTING FOR A CANDIDATE FOR CERTAIN MUNICIPAL OFFICES AND FOR COUNTY OFFICE; AND TO AMEND PORTIONS OF THE ARKANSAS CODE THAT RESULTED FROM INITIATED ACT 1 OF 1996.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mindy McAlindon and 2 co-sponsors

HB 1281 aimed to enhance campaign finance transparency for local Arkansas candidates by requiring detailed annual and preelection reporting of contributions and expenditures.

Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1281

Summary of House Bill 1281

Bill Number: HB 1281
Title: To Amend Reporting for a Candidate for Certain Municipal Offices and for County Office; and to Amend Portions of the Arkansas Code that Resulted from Initiated Act 1 of 1996
Status: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment
Introduced: January 28, 2025

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1281 aimed to amend existing laws regarding campaign finance reporting for candidates running for school district, township, municipal, and county offices in Arkansas. The bill sought to update the reporting requirements established by Initiated Act 1 of 1996, ensuring that candidates maintain transparency in their campaign contributions and expenditures.

Key Provisions

The bill proposed several significant changes to the reporting requirements for candidates:

  1. Annual Reporting:

    • Candidates not listed on a ballot would be required to file an annual report detailing all contributions and expenditures within 15 days after the year-end.

  2. Preelection Reporting:

    • Candidates must file preelection reports at two intervals:
      • No later than 60 days before an election, covering contributions and expenditures from the previous report period.
      • No later than 30 days before an election, covering contributions and expenditures up to the date of the report.

  3. Final Reports:

    • Candidates must file a final report within 30 days after the election, regardless of whether they received contributions or made expenditures exceeding $500.

  4. Supplemental Reports:

    • Candidates would need to file supplemental reports for any contributions received or expenditures made after the final report, within 30 days of such transactions.

  5. Exemptions:

    • Candidates who do not exceed $500 in contributions or expenditures would not be required to file preelection reports.
    • Candidates receiving contributions over $5,000 would be required to file monthly preelection reports.

Impact

The proposed amendments would primarily affect candidates for local offices in Arkansas, including those running for school districts, townships, municipalities, and county positions. The changes aimed to enhance transparency and accountability in campaign financing, potentially impacting how candidates manage their fundraising and spending.

Legislative Timeline

  • January 28, 2025: Bill filed and referred to the Committee on State Agencies & Governmental Affairs.
  • February 4, 2025: The bill was read for the second time, amended, and reported correctly engrossed.
  • May 5, 2025: The bill died in the House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.

Conclusion

While HB 1281 proposed important updates to campaign finance reporting requirements in Arkansas, it ultimately did not progress beyond the committee stage. The bill's intent to improve transparency in local elections reflects ongoing discussions about campaign finance reform in the state.

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

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