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SB 296

Uniform Rules of the Road; operation of a school bus while under the influence of alcohol or drugs; establish the offense

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jason Anavitarte and 1 co-sponsor

Act 282 enhances early voting in Arkansas by allowing more locations and clarifying county clerks' roles, improving voter access and participation in elections.

Senate Read and Referred
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Bill Summary · SB 296

Summary of Senate Bill 296 (SB 296)

Overview

Senate Bill 296, now known as Act 282, was introduced on February 25, 2025, by Senator K. Hammer and Representative Beaty Jr. The bill amends existing laws regarding the designation of early voting locations by county clerks in Arkansas.

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of SB 296 is to clarify and enhance the process by which county clerks can designate early voting locations. This amendment aims to ensure that voters have access to early voting sites that may differ from traditional polling places, thereby improving voter accessibility and participation in elections.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant amendments to the Arkansas Code:

  1. Polling Site Consistency:

    • The bill maintains that polling sites for elections should generally remain the same as those established for the previous general election unless changed by the county board of election commissioners.
    • It specifies exceptions for school elections and allows for additional early voting locations designated by the county board.

  2. County Clerk's Responsibilities:

    • The county clerk is required to be provided with a suitable room at the county courthouse or another designated location within the county seat to manage absentee and early voting ballots.

  3. Early Voting Hours:

    • Early voting is available to qualified electors starting 15 days before a preferential primary or general election, with specified hours (8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays).
    • Early voting ends at 5:00 p.m. on the Monday before the election.

  4. Determination of Additional Polling Sites:

    • The county board of election commissioners must determine the location of any additional early voting sites by unanimous vote for each election.

Impact

  • Voters: The bill is expected to enhance voter access to early voting by allowing for additional locations, which may reduce congestion at traditional polling sites and improve overall voter turnout.
  • County Clerks and Election Officials: The amendments clarify the responsibilities of county clerks and election boards, potentially streamlining the process of managing early voting locations.

Legislative Timeline

  • February 25, 2025: Bill filed and read for the first time.
  • March 6, 2025: Returned by the Committee with a recommendation to pass.
  • March 10, 2025: Passed by both the Senate and House, ordered enrolled.
  • March 11, 2025: Delivered to the Governor and reported correctly enrolled.
  • March 12, 2025: Notification that SB 296 is now Act 282.

Conclusion

SB 296 represents a significant update to Arkansas's election laws, focusing on improving the accessibility of early voting. By allowing for additional early voting locations and clarifying the roles of county clerks, the legislation aims to facilitate a smoother voting process for Arkansas residents.

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

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