Arkansas Senate Bill SB569

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/27/25
• Refer: 3/31/25
• Report Pass: 4/10/25
• Engrossed: 4/14/25
• Refer: 4/14/25
• Report Pass: 4/15/25
• Failed: 5/5/25

Caption

An Amendment To The Arkansas Constitution Concerning Ballot Titles Of Proposed Measures; And Amending The Arkansas Constitution Under The Authority Of Arkansas Constitution, Article 5, Section 1.

Impact

The proposed amendment is significant as it seeks to rectify issues identified with previous ballot measures that may have been confusing or misleading to voters. By enforcing clearer standards for ballot titles, SB569 aims to foster an electoral environment where voters can make more informed choices. Moreover, the change aligns with the General Assembly's intent to provide transparency and uphold the integrity of the electoral process in Arkansas.

Summary

Senate Bill 569 aims to amend the Arkansas Constitution, specifically Article 5, Section 1, to establish requirements for the readability and conciseness of ballot titles for proposed measures. It mandates that ballot titles must be clear, concise, and not exceed five hundred words. This change is intended to enhance voter understanding of the measures presented on ballots, thereby ensuring that voters are better informed when making decisions in elections.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB569 center on the potential implications of establishing such standards. Critics may argue that the amendment could lead to excessive regulation of ballot measures, which some perceive as an infringement on the legislative process. Additionally, there are concerns regarding the interpretation and enforcement of 'readability' standards, which could vary subjectively depending on the interpretation of election officials. The balance between ensuring voter clarity and maintaining flexibility for legislative measures remains a key debate in discussions regarding this bill.