Arkansas House Bill HB1694

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/5/25
• Refer: 3/5/25
• Report Pass: 3/12/25
• Engrossed: 3/17/25
• Refer: 3/17/25
• Report Pass: 4/3/25
• Refer: 4/9/25
• Report Pass: 4/14/25
• Enrolled: 4/15/25
• Enrolled: 4/16/25
• Chaptered: 4/22/25
• Passed: 4/22/25

Caption

To Amend The Law Concerning Alternatives To Electronic Filing For Campaign Finance Reports.

Impact

The passage of HB 1694 would revise Arkansas Code § 7-6-230 to allow paper filing as a legitimate alternative to electronic filing. This amendment aims to enhance accessibility for candidates who may face challenges with technology while ensuring that the integrity of campaign financing regulations is maintained. The inclusion of a notarized affidavit is a notable requirement that seeks to mitigate any potential discrepancies that could arise from less formal reporting methods. Additionally, the Secretary of State’s responsibilities are expanded to include developing clear guidelines for this paper filing process, improving overall administrative efficiency and voter confidence.

Summary

House Bill 1694 is an Act aimed at amending existing laws in Arkansas concerning alternatives to electronic filing for campaign finance reports. The bill seeks to provide candidates with the option to submit campaign contribution and expenditure reports in paper form under specific conditions. Candidates choosing to file in paper form must submit a notarized affidavit accompanied by their first report, ensuring transparency and compliance within the process while allowing individuals without access to electronic means to participate in the filing system. The Secretary of State is tasked with creating forms and ensuring timely acceptance of these reports.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1694 appears generally supportive, as it is designed to facilitate greater participation in the electoral process by accommodating diverse candidate backgrounds and resources. There has been considerable discussion around ensuring that all candidates, regardless of their access to technology, can comply with the state’s campaign finance laws. Concerns have also been raised about maintaining the security and accuracy of filed reports, indicating a balance between increasing accessibility and upholding regulatory standards.

Contention

While the bill enjoys overall support, some apprehensions exist regarding the implications of allowing paper filings on the transparency and efficiency of campaign finance monitoring. Critics may argue that allowing multiple filing formats could complicate the reporting process and introduce potential for errors or mismanagement of information. As such, advocates of digital filing methods emphasize the need for a streamlined and uniform system that minimizes administrative burdens versus the flexibility offered through HB 1694.