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Bill

HB 1243

TO INCREASE TRANSPARENCY REGARDING CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS AND EXPENDITURES; TO AMEND CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORTING AND PROTECT ELECTION INTEGRITY; AND TO AMEND PORTIONS OF INITIATED ACT 1 OF 1996.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Wayne Long and 4 co-sponsors

Act 994 boosts campaign finance transparency by requiring detailed reporting from candidates, enhancing election integrity, and ensuring public trust in Arkansas elections.

Notification that HB1243 is now Act 994
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1243

Summary of House Bill 1243 (Act 994)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1243, now known as Act 994, aims to enhance transparency in campaign finance by amending existing laws regarding campaign contributions and expenditures. The bill seeks to improve campaign finance reporting, protect election integrity, and update provisions from Initiated Act 1 of 1996.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several significant changes to the campaign finance reporting requirements for candidates at various levels, including school district, township, municipal, and county offices. Key provisions include:

  1. Reporting Requirements:

    • Candidates must file an annual report of all contributions and expenditures by December 31 in years without an election.
    • A monthly report of contributions and expenditures is required, to be filed no later than 20 days after the end of each month in which the candidate is active.
    • Preelection reports must be submitted seven days before elections, detailing contributions and expenditures from the previous reporting period.

  2. Exemptions:

    • Candidates who do not exceed $500 in contributions or expenditures are exempt from filing preelection reports.
    • Candidates with contributions or expenditures between $500 and $5,000 are required to file only a preelection report and a final report.

  3. Final Reports:

    • A final report must be filed 30 days after the end of the month in which a candidate's name appears on the ballot, regardless of the amount raised or spent.

  4. Amendments to Existing Laws:

    • The bill amends specific sections of the Arkansas Code to align with the new reporting requirements and clarify the responsibilities of candidates and their representatives.

Affected Parties

The legislation primarily impacts:
- Candidates for school district, township, municipal, and county offices.
- Campaign committees and individuals acting on behalf of candidates.
- Election officials responsible for overseeing campaign finance compliance.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: January 27, 2025
  • Status: The bill was passed and signed into law, becoming Act 994 on April 22, 2025.
  • Amendments: The bill underwent several amendments during its legislative journey, including changes to reporting timelines and the entities responsible for receiving reports (from county clerks to the Secretary of State).

Conclusion

Act 994 represents a significant step toward increasing transparency in campaign financing in Arkansas. By establishing clearer reporting requirements and exemptions, the law aims to enhance public trust in the electoral process and ensure compliance among candidates.

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

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