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Bill

HB 1837

TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING DISCLOSURE FOR MATTERS REFERRED TO VOTERS; AND TO BAN FOREIGN FUNDING FOR BALLOT MEASURES; TO AMEND PORTIONS OF THE ARKANSAS CODE THAT RESULTED FROM INITIATED ACT 1 OF 1996.

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

Act 999 boosts election integrity in Arkansas by banning foreign funding, enhancing campaign finance transparency, and requiring strict donor disclosures to protect voters.

Notification that HB1837 is now Act 999
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1837

Summary of House Bill 1837 (Act 999)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1837, now known as Act 999, aims to enhance the integrity of elections in Arkansas by:
- Ensuring full transparency in campaign financing.
- Prohibiting foreign funding for ballot measures.
- Amending existing laws that stem from Initiated Act 1 of 1996 to reflect these changes.

The General Assembly emphasizes the importance of maintaining public confidence in elections and preventing foreign influence in the electoral process.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several significant amendments to the Arkansas Code, particularly concerning campaign financing and disclosures:

1. Definitions and Prohibited Sources

  • Prohibited Sources: The bill defines "prohibited sources" to include foreign nationals, foreign governments, and entities primarily organized under foreign laws.
  • Foreign National: Defined as individuals not legally residing in the U.S., foreign governments, and organizations controlled by foreign nationals.

2. Campaign Financing Regulations

  • Independent Expenditures: Entities making independent expenditures must affirm they have not accepted over $10,000 from prohibited sources in the last four years.
  • Ballot Question Committees: These committees must certify that they have not knowingly received contributions from prohibited sources.

3. Disclosure Requirements

  • Committees must provide detailed financial reports that include affirmations regarding the source of their funding.
  • New subdivisions added to existing laws require committees to disclose any contributions exceeding $10,000 and certify the donor's compliance with the prohibition against foreign funding.

4. Record-Keeping and Certification

  • Committees must maintain records of contributions and expenditures, particularly those exceeding $10,000.
  • Upon receiving large contributions, committees must obtain certifications from donors confirming they are not foreign nationals and have not received prohibited donations.

Impact

The enactment of HB 1837 will primarily affect:
- Political Action Committees (PACs): They will face stricter scrutiny regarding their funding sources.
- Ballot Question Committees: These groups will need to ensure compliance with new certification requirements to avoid penalties.
- Voters: The bill aims to enhance voter confidence by ensuring that elections are free from foreign influence.

Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced: March 18, 2025
  • Passed by House: April 7, 2025
  • Amended and Passed by Senate: April 15, 2025
  • Enrolled and Transmitted to Governor: April 16, 2025
  • Notification of Act: April 22, 2025

Conclusion

House Bill 1837 represents a significant step towards safeguarding Arkansas elections from foreign influence and enhancing transparency in campaign financing. By establishing clear definitions and stringent reporting requirements, the bill seeks to bolster public trust in the electoral process.

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

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