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Bill

HB 1773

TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING CONTRIBUTION LIMITS FOR BALLOT QUESTION COMMITTEES AND LEGISLATIVE QUESTION COMMITTEES.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Wayne Long

HB 1773 aimed to limit contributions to ballot and legislative committees, enhancing transparency by capping cash donations and banning anonymous contributions over $50.

Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
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Bill Summary · HB 1773

Summary of HB 1773

Bill Number: HB 1773
Title: To Amend the Law Concerning Contribution Limits for Ballot Question Committees and Legislative Question Committees
Status: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment
Introduced: March 13, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

HB 1773 aimed to amend existing laws regarding contribution limits for ballot question committees and legislative question committees in Arkansas. The bill sought to establish clearer regulations on the types and amounts of contributions these committees could accept, thereby enhancing transparency and accountability in campaign financing related to ballot measures and legislative questions.

Key Provisions

The bill proposed several significant changes to the Arkansas Code § 7-9-405, including:

  1. Contribution Limits:

    • Prohibited ballot question and legislative question committees from accepting cash contributions exceeding $100.
    • Restricted expenditures in cash to a maximum of $50 for influencing ballot or legislative questions.

  2. Anonymous Contributions:

    • Banned anonymous contributions of $50 or more, requiring any such contributions received to be paid to the Arkansas Ethics Commission for deposit into the State Treasury.

  3. Contribution Sources:

    • Specified that contributions could only be accepted from defined entities, including individuals, political parties, and approved political action committees.
    • Established that contributions from any other sources would be unlawful.

  4. Aggregate Contribution Limits:

    • Defined that the total contributions from a single donor to a committee during an election could not exceed the maximum limit set by the Arkansas Ethics Commission, regardless of how many ballot questions the committee was advocating for or against.

  5. Regulatory Authority:

    • Empowered the Arkansas Ethics Commission to establish and adjust contribution limits through rule-making processes.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1773 would have affected:

  • Ballot Question Committees: Organizations that advocate for or against specific ballot measures.
  • Legislative Question Committees: Groups focused on influencing legislative questions.
  • Contributors: Individuals and entities wishing to contribute to these committees would have faced stricter limits and regulations.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was filed on March 13, 2025, and was read and referred to the Committee on State Agencies & Governmental Affairs on the same day.
  • Ultimately, the bill died in the House Committee on May 5, 2025, at Sine Die adjournment, meaning it did not progress to a vote or further consideration.

This summary provides an overview of HB 1773, highlighting its objectives, key provisions, and potential implications for campaign finance in Arkansas.

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

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