To Amend Arkansas Law Concerning Statements Of Financial Interest; And Amending A Portion Of Arkansas Law Resulting From Initiated Act 1 Of 1988.
Impact
The proposed changes in SB395 add more stringent requirements for the disclosure of financial information, particularly targeting income exceeding $1,000 and investments over $1,000 as well. The bill mandates that public servants identify their employers and report income sources that surpass predetermined thresholds, encouraging a culture of greater transparency. Additionally, the legislation allows the Arkansas Ethics Commission to conduct investigations based on the financial disclosures submitted, reinforcing accountability within public offices.
Summary
Senate Bill 395 aims to amend current Arkansas laws concerning the statements of financial interest that public servants and candidates must file. This bill specifically updates provisions that were established by Initiated Act 1 of 1988. The amendments focus on clarifying the information required regarding income sources and investments, outlining conditions under which detailed disclosures are necessary to enhance transparency and ethical standards among public officials.
Contention
While supporters of SB395 argue that these amendments will bolster public trust in government by ensuring that officials are held accountable for their financial interests, some opponents may raise concerns about the complexity and potential overreach of these requirements. Critics might argue that the bill could create an excessive burden on public servants with detailed reporting obligations, which may deter qualified individuals from seeking public office due to privacy concerns or administrative challenges.
To Prohibit Gifts From Lobbyists To Cabinet-level Department Secretaries; To Amend The Law Concerning The Arkansas Ethics Commission; And To Amend The Law Resulting From Initiated Act 1 Of 1988.
To Amend The Law Concerning Campaign Finance; To Amend Arkansas Constitution, Article 19, Section 28; And To Amend Portions Of Initiated Act 1 Of 1990 And Initiated Act 1 Of 1996.
To Amend The Law Concerning The Creation And Duties Of The Arkansas Ethics Commission; And To Amend Portions Of Initiated Act 1 Of 1990 And Initiated Act 1 Of 1996.
To Amend The Law Concerning Campaign Finance And Campaign Finance Reports; To Amend The Law Concerning The Arkansas Ethics Commission; And To Amend Portions Of Initiated Act 1 Of 1990 And Initiated Act 1 Of 1996.
To Create The Protect Arkansas Act; To Amend Arkansas Law Concerning Sentencing And Parole; To Amend Arkansas Law Concerning Certain Criminal Offenses; And To Create The Legislative Recidivism Reduction Task Force.
To Amend The Law Concerning Complaints Filed With The Arkansas Ethics Commission; To Allow Online And Electronic Complaints; And To Amend Portions Of Initiated Act 1 Of 1990.