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HB 1597

TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE OATH OF OFFICE.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Alan Clark and 1 co-sponsor

House Bill 1597 streamlines the oath-taking process for Arkansas officials, ensuring clarity and consistency in who can administer oaths, enhancing public office integrity.

Notification that HB1597 is now Act 456
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Bill Summary · HB 1597

Summary of House Bill 1597 (Act 456)

Bill Number: HB 1597
Title: To Amend the Law Concerning the Administration of the Oath of Office
Status: Enacted as Act 456
Introduced: February 26, 2025
Legislative Session: 95th General Assembly, Regular Session, 2025

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1597 aims to update and clarify the laws governing the administration of oaths of office for various elected and appointed officials in the state of Arkansas. The bill seeks to ensure that the process for taking oaths is consistent and accessible, reflecting current practices and legal standards.

Key Provisions

The bill amends two sections of the Arkansas Code:

1. Arkansas Code § 14-42-106(b)

  • Oath Administration for Municipal Officers:
    • Municipal officers are required to take their oaths before specific officials, including:
    • The Secretary of State or their designee
    • Judges from various courts (Supreme, Court of Appeals, Circuit, District)
    • Federal judges
    • Clerks of county and circuit courts
    • Justices of the peace
    • Additionally, council members may take their oaths before the mayor of the municipality.

2. Arkansas Code § 21-2-105(a)

  • Oath Administration for State Officials:
    • The Governor must take the oath before:
    • A justice or judge from specified courts
    • A federal justice or judge
    • The county clerk or clerk of the circuit court
    • Other state officials, including justices and judges, must take their oaths before the Governor or designated judges.
    • All other civil and military officers may take their oaths before various officials, including the Secretary of State, judges, and clerks.

Impact

This legislation affects a wide range of public officials in Arkansas, including:

  • Elected municipal officers
  • State officials, including the Governor and members of the judiciary
  • Local government officials, such as mayors and council members

By clarifying who can administer oaths, the bill aims to streamline the process and ensure that all officials are properly sworn in, thereby enhancing the integrity of public office.

Procedural Timeline

  • February 26, 2025: Bill filed and introduced.
  • March 5, 2025: Passed in the House and transmitted to the Senate.
  • March 12, 2025: Returned by the Committee with a recommendation to pass as amended.
  • March 18, 2025: Passed in the Senate with amendments and returned to the House.
  • March 31, 2025: Senate amendment concurred in; bill enrolled and transmitted to the Governor.
  • April 3, 2025: Notification that HB 1597 is now Act 456.

This summary provides an overview of House Bill 1597, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and the procedural steps leading to its enactment. The changes made by this bill are intended to improve the administration of oaths for public officials in Arkansas.

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

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