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SB 169

TO MAKE TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS TO THE ARKANSAS CONSTITUTION; AND TO AMEND ARKANSAS CONSTITUTION, AMENDMENT 51.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Josh Bryant and 3 co-sponsors

SB 169 clarifies Arkansas' voter registration process by correcting language in Amendment 51, ensuring clear eligibility criteria and improving understanding for voters.

Notification that SB169 is now Act 221
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Bill Summary · SB 169

Summary of Senate Bill 169 (SB 169)

Overview

Senate Bill 169 (SB 169) is a legislative measure aimed at making technical corrections to the Arkansas Constitution, specifically focusing on Amendment 51. The bill was introduced on January 31, 2025, and has since been enacted as Act 221.

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of SB 169 is to correct grammatical and punctuation errors within Amendment 51 of the Arkansas Constitution. These corrections are intended to clarify the language and improve the understanding of voter registration processes and eligibility requirements.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several amendments to specific sections of Amendment 51:

Section 1: Voter Registration Application Forms

  • Corrections Made: Clarifies the requirements for voter registration application forms, including:
    • Statements specifying voter eligibility requirements.
    • An attestation by the applicant confirming they do not claim the right to vote in another county or state.
    • Information on confidentiality regarding the applicant's registration and the penalties for submitting false applications.
    • Instructions for applicants registering through third-party organizations about potential delays in application delivery.

Section 2: Eligibility to Register to Vote

  • Corrections Made: Updates the eligibility criteria for voter registration to ensure clarity, including:
    • Individuals who have not been convicted of a felony (unless their sentence is discharged or they have been pardoned).
    • Individuals who are citizens of the United States and meet other specified criteria.

Section 3: Cancellation of Voter Registrations

  • Corrections Made: Clarifies the duties of the permanent registrar regarding the cancellation of voter registrations, including:
    • Criteria for cancellation based on failure to respond to address confirmations, changes of residence, death, felony convictions, and mental incompetence.

Section 4: Legislative Intent

  • Clarification: States that the act does not intend to codify any changes but rather to make technical corrections without altering the substantive content of the law.

Impact

The amendments made by SB 169 are expected to:
- Enhance the clarity and accuracy of the voter registration process in Arkansas.
- Ensure that voters and registrars have a clear understanding of the requirements and procedures involved in voter registration.
- Maintain the integrity of the voter registration system by correcting potential ambiguities in the existing language.

Legislative Timeline

  • January 31, 2025: Bill filed.
  • February 3, 2025: Read for the first time and referred to the State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee.
  • February 13, 2025: Committee recommended the bill do pass.
  • February 17, 2025: Passed in the Senate and transmitted to the House.
  • February 20, 2025: Returned by the Committee with a do pass recommendation.
  • February 24, 2025: Passed in the House and ordered enrolled.
  • February 27, 2025: Notification that SB 169 is now Act 221.

Conclusion

SB 169 serves a crucial role in refining the language of the Arkansas Constitution regarding voter registration, ensuring that the provisions are clear and accessible to all citizens. The technical corrections made by this bill are expected to facilitate a smoother voter registration process and uphold the integrity of electoral procedures in Arkansas.

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

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