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HB 1422

TO CREATE THE ONLY CITIZENS VOTE ACT; TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE DRIVER'S LICENSES AND IDENTIFICATION CARDS OF CERTAIN NONCITIZENS; AND TO AMEND ARKANSAS CONSTITUTION, AMENDMENT 51, SECTION 13.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mark Johnson and 1 co-sponsor

The Only Citizens Vote Act sought to restrict voting to U.S. citizens by canceling registrations of noncitizens and modifying their ID cards in Arkansas.

Died on House Calendar at Sine Die adjournment.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1422

Summary of HB 1422 - Only Citizens Vote Act

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HB 1422
Title: To Create the Only Citizens Vote Act; To Amend the Law Concerning the Driver's Licenses and Identification Cards of Certain Noncitizens; and To Amend Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 51, Section 13.
Status: Died on House Calendar at Sine Die adjournment
Introduced: February 6, 2025
Sponsors: Rep. Long and Sen. M. Johnson

Purpose and Intent

The Only Citizens Vote Act aims to establish stricter regulations regarding voter registration and identification for noncitizens in Arkansas. The bill seeks to ensure that only U.S. citizens can participate in elections by modifying the driver's licenses and identification cards issued to noncitizens.

Key Provisions

  1. Driver's License Regulations:

    • Noncitizens with valid, unexpired nonimmigrant visas can obtain a driver's license that expires no later than their visa expiration.
    • Such licenses must clearly display:
      • The phrase "Non-Citizen"
      • The phrase "Not valid for federal identification purposes or voter identification purposes"
      • A distinct vertical or portrait format.

  2. Voter Registration:

    • A driver's license issued to a noncitizen is not valid for voter registration.
    • The Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) is required to provide a monthly report to the Secretary of State listing all individuals holding noncitizen driver's licenses.
    • If any individual on this list is registered to vote, the Secretary of State must notify the county clerk to cancel their voter registration and suspend their driving privileges.

  3. Amendment H1 Changes:

    • The bill's provisions were expanded to include identification cards issued to noncitizens.
    • Certain forms of identification previously accepted for voter registration, such as concealed handgun carry licenses and employee badges from accredited institutions, were removed from the list of valid voter ID.

  4. Legal and Procedural Changes:

    • The Secretary of State is mandated to refer any noncitizen found registered to vote to the Attorney General for prosecution.
    • Individuals whose registrations are canceled will be notified and given the opportunity to contest the cancellation by providing proof of citizenship.

Impact

  • Affected Individuals: Noncitizens holding driver's licenses or identification cards who are registered to vote in Arkansas.
  • Consequences for Noncitizens: Those registered to vote will have their registrations canceled and driving privileges suspended.
  • Fiscal Impact: The implementation of this bill would require modifications to the Arkansas Integrated Revenue System at an estimated cost of $152,000, with an anticipated implementation date of January 1, 2026.

Procedural Timeline

  • February 6, 2025: Bill filed and referred to the Committee on State Agencies & Governmental Affairs.
  • March 10, 2025: Amendment No. 1 adopted; bill ordered engrossed.
  • March 19, 2025: Returned by the Committee Do Pass.
  • March 20, 2025: Read the third time and failed.
  • May 5, 2025: Died on House Calendar at Sine Die adjournment.

Conclusion

HB 1422, the Only Citizens Vote Act, aimed to tighten voter registration and identification requirements for noncitizens in Arkansas. Despite its introduction and subsequent discussions, the bill ultimately did not pass, reflecting ongoing debates about voter eligibility and identification laws in the state.

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

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