Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

Arkansas House Bill HB1597

Introduced
3/10/23  
Refer
3/13/23  
Report Pass
3/15/23  

Caption

To Modify The Disbursement Of Campaign Funds At The Conclusion Of A Campaign; To Amend The Law Concerning Campaign Finance; And To Amend Portions Of Initiated Act 1 Of 1990 And Initiated Act 1 Of 1996.

Impact

The revisions proposed by HB 1597 would directly impact the Arkansas Code regarding campaign finance, particularly concerning the end-of-campaign financial management. By clarifying the options available for fund disbursement, the bill aims to streamline the financial processes for candidates and increase transparency in political funding. It addresses longstanding ambiguities in the law that have made it difficult for candidates to navigate the closure of campaign finances, potentially influencing campaign strategy and expenditure behavior among candidates.

Summary

House Bill 1597 proposes amendments to the rules governing the disbursement of campaign funds at the conclusion of political campaigns. The bill seeks to modify existing provisions concerning how candidates can allocate remaining campaign funds, enhancing the options available for fund disbursement. Specifically, it allows candidates to contribute their funds to the General Revenue Fund Account or to various entities, such as political parties, nonprofit organizations, and ballot committees. This amendment aims to clarify the legal pathways for candidates to manage their leftover campaign contributions effectively.

Contention

Some points of contention surrounding HB 1597 involve the implications of allowing campaign funds to be directed toward non-political entities, especially nonprofit organizations. Critics may argue that this creates opportunities for misuse of funds and raises ethical concerns regarding the influence of money on these organizations. Furthermore, ensuring that contributions to entities are appropriately regulated is a key consideration. Supporters argue that the flexibility in fund allocation serves to enhance the legislative framework for campaign finances, encouraging more responsible financial practices among political candidates.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR SB41

An Act For The Arkansas Minority Health Initiative Of The Department Of Health - Arkansas Minority Health Commission Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR HB1065

An Act For The Department Of Finance And Administration - Disbursing Officer Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

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 SR2

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill Amending The Revenue Stabilization Law, Creating Funds, Repealing Funds, And Making Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts.

AR HR1011

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill Amending The Revenue Stabilization Law, Creating Funds, Repealing Funds, And Making Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts.

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 HR1010

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Revenue Stabilization Law, To Create Funds, To Repeal Funds, And To Make Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts.

AR SR1

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Revenue Stabilization Law, To Create Funds, To Repeal Funds, And To Make Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts.

AR HB1097

To Amend The Revenue Stabilization Law; To Create Funds, To Repeal Funds, And To Make Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts; And To Declare An Emergency.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.