Arkansas House Bill HB1461

Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/20/23
• Refer: 2/20/23
• Report Pass: 3/1/23
• Engrossed: 3/6/23
• Refer: 3/6/23
• Report Pass: 3/9/23
• Enrolled: 3/15/23
• Chaptered: 3/17/23
• Passed: 3/17/23

Caption

To Require Legislative Review Of New Federal Election Guidance; And To Amend The Duties Of The Secretary Of State.

Impact

The enactment of HB 1461 will amend Arkansas Code Title 7, Chapter 1 by adding a new section requiring the Secretary of State's office to act as the custodian of federal election guidance. The bill mandates an annual report to the Joint Performance Review Committee, compiling all new federal guidance related to elections. This means that legislative oversight will be more formally integrated into the election process, potentially leading to more structured responses to any changes in federal election law. It is expected that the bill may facilitate better communication and procedural adherence amongst election officials within the state.

Summary

House Bill 1461 aims to strengthen the legislative oversight of new federal election guidance within the state of Arkansas. It establishes the requirement that state and county election officials must submit any new federal directives, guidance, or recommendations concerning elections to the Secretary of State within two business days. The bill's intent is to ensure that the Arkansas General Assembly is informed of and can review these federal regulations to evaluate their interaction with existing state laws. This legislative review process is intended to enhance compliance and operational alignment between federal and state election standards.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 1461 appears largely supportive among legislators who advocate for increased state control over election procedures and compliance with federal regulations. Supporters argue that this bill empowers the state legislature to proactively engage with changes in federal law, thereby enhancing the integrity of the election process. However, some concerns have been raised about the potential bureaucratic burden it may place on local election officials and the speed with which necessary changes must be implemented, which could affect timely election readiness.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between federal oversight and state autonomy in election processes. Critics of the bill worry that increased legislative involvement may slow down the integration of necessary federal updates into state law, complicating the election administration's ability to function efficiently. There is also the possibility that the bill could lead to disputes regarding the interpretation of federal directives and their applicability at the state level, particularly in times of rapid change in federal election laws.