Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

Arkansas House Bill HB1469

Introduced
2/20/23  
Refer
2/20/23  
Report Pass
3/1/23  
Engrossed
3/6/23  
Refer
3/6/23  
Report Pass
3/14/23  
Enrolled
3/16/23  
Chaptered
3/21/23  

Caption

To Amend The Election Procedures Of Municipalities.

Impact

In terms of impact, HB 1469 is designed to create a more uniform set of rules governing municipal elections. It mandates that municipal governing bodies establish ordinances to ensure independent candidates follow the same filing timeframes and conditions as those running under party affiliation. This change is likely to lead to a more organized electoral process, but it could also reduce the flexibility that some local entities previously had in managing their election procedures. The bill aims to eliminate confusion regarding election timelines, potentially increasing voter engagement and participation.

Summary

House Bill 1469 seeks to amend the election procedures governing municipalities in Arkansas. Specifically, it changes the processes for nominating petitions for municipal elections, aimed at streamlining the election process and ensuring that procedures align among various municipalities. This includes provisions for how city councils can request county party committees to conduct party primaries and sets specific timelines for independent candidates to file petitions, thus potentially altering the way local elections are organized and contested across the state.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding the bill appears to be supportive, particularly among legislators who believe that uniformity in election procedures will benefit the electoral integrity and accessibility of municipal elections. However, there are underlying concerns from opposition groups and some local governments who worry that the reduced autonomy may hinder the ability of municipalities to tailor election processes to their unique needs.

Contention

Notable points of contention revolve around the balance of power between state guidelines and local governance. Critics argue that centralizing election procedures may overlook local contexts that are crucial for effective governance, potentially disenfranchising independent candidates or those from smaller communities who may face challenges under more stringent statewide rules. If HB 1469 is enacted, this could significantly reshape the political landscape by enforcing stricter compliance regarding the procedures of candidacy and election organization.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR HB1023

An Act To Make An Appropriation For State Turnback For Counties And Municipalities By The Office Of The Treasurer Of State For The Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2025; And For Other Purposes.

AR SB79

To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023; To Provide For The Regulation Of Digital Asset Mining Businesses; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HB1089

An Act For State Turnback For Counties And Municipalities By The Office Of The Treasurer Of State Supplemental Appropriation.

AR HB1051

An Act For The State Board Of Election Commissioners Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR SR16

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Amend The Requirements For A Digital Asset Mining Business Or Business Using A Blockchain Network.

AR SR17

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Acts Of 2023, To Regulate Digital Asset Mining Businesses And Businesses Utilizing A Blockchain Network, And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HR1020

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Acts Of 2023, To Regulate Digital Asset Mining Businesses And Businesses Utilizing A Blockchain Network, And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HR1015

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Amend The Requirements For A Digital Asset Mining Business Or Business Using A Blockchain Network.

AR HR1012

To Amend The Rules Of The House Of Representatives Of The Ninety-fourth General Assembly.

AR SB78

To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023; To Prohibit Foreign-party-controlled Ownership Of A Digital Asset Mining Business; And To Declare An Emergency.

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