WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1555

TO ESTABLISH UNIFORM PROCEDURES FOR FILLING A VACANCY IN A MUNICIPAL OFFICE.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Bart Hester and 1 co-sponsor

Act 995 standardizes how Arkansas municipalities fill office vacancies, requiring majority votes for appointments and ensuring timely elections for effective governance.

Notification that HB1555 is now Act 995
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1555

Summary of House Bill 1555 (Act 995)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1555, now known as Act 995, aims to establish uniform procedures for filling vacancies in municipal offices across the state of Arkansas. The legislation seeks to streamline the process and ensure consistency in how vacancies are addressed, thereby enhancing governance at the municipal level.

Key Provisions

The bill amends several sections of the Arkansas Code to outline specific procedures for filling vacancies in municipal offices:

  1. General Procedures for Filling Vacancies:

    • Vacancies that can be filled by appointment require a majority vote from the remaining members of the governing body.
    • A member of the governing body cannot vote on their own appointment.
    • Municipalities with populations of 50,000 or more are prohibited from appointing current governing body members to fill vacancies.

  2. Methods for Filling Vacancies:

    • Appointment: At the first council meeting after a vacancy is declared, the governing body may elect a qualified elector to serve for the unexpired term.
    • Special Election: Alternatively, the governing body may call for a special election to fill the vacancy, which must occur on the next scheduled special election date.

  3. Specific Provisions for Mayors and Council Members:

    • If a mayor's position becomes vacant and the unexpired term exceeds one year, a special election is mandated.
    • For council members in cities with populations under 20,000, the council must elect a replacement at the first regular meeting after the vacancy occurs.

  4. Additional Amendments:

    • The bill includes provisions for handling vacancies in other elected offices and clarifies that the appointment of an acting mayor is not subject to veto by the mayor.

Affected Parties

This legislation impacts:
- Municipal governing bodies across Arkansas, including city councils and mayors.
- Qualified electors who may be appointed or elected to fill vacancies.
- Residents of municipalities, as the changes may affect local governance and representation.

Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced: February 24, 2025
  • Passed: April 1, 2025
  • Amendments Adopted: Two amendments were adopted on April 9, 2025, which refined the procedures and clarified language regarding appointments.
  • Enacted: The bill was signed into law and is now known as Act 995 as of April 22, 2025.

Conclusion

Act 995 represents a significant step towards standardizing the process of filling municipal vacancies in Arkansas. By establishing clear procedures, the legislation aims to improve the efficiency and transparency of local governance, ensuring that municipalities can respond promptly to vacancies and maintain effective leadership.

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

Sign in to ask a question.