Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

Arkansas House Bill HB1687

Introduced
3/22/23  
Refer
3/27/23  
Report Pass
4/3/23  
Engrossed
4/4/23  
Refer
4/5/23  
Report Pass
4/6/23  
Enrolled
4/10/23  
Chaptered
4/12/23  

Caption

Concerning Paper Ballots; To Amend The Law Concerning Paper Ballots And The Marking And Counting Of Paper Ballots; To Amend The Law Concerning The Declaration Of Election Results; And To Declare An Emergency.

Impact

The impact of HB 1687 on state laws is significant, especially regarding the standards and processes for handling elections. The bill holds county election commissions accountable for ensuring compliance with federal laws regarding accessibility for voters with disabilities. It also introduces the necessity for each ballot to feature a unique watermark, which is aimed at preventing fraud and ensuring traceability. The requirements for transparency, including that all hand counts be conducted publicly and witnessed by poll workers, further aim to bolster trust in the electoral process.

Summary

House Bill 1687 aims to amend various provisions concerning the use of paper ballots in elections. It establishes new regulations for marking and counting these ballots, ensuring that each paper ballot is compatible with electronic vote tabulation devices. Noteworthy amendments include provisions that stipulate counties opting for hand counting will be responsible for the related costs, while still being eligible for reimbursement as if they had utilized machine tabulation. This bill is seen as a step towards enhancing the integrity of elections conducted by paper ballot in the state of Arkansas.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding the bill has been largely positive among proponents who advocate for secure and transparent electoral processes. Supporters argue that these changes are critical for ensuring the integrity of elections, particularly in light of ongoing concerns about election security. However, some legislators and commentators express caution, suggesting that the financial burden placed on counties might become a limiting factor in their ability to implement these new requirements effectively. Overall, the discourse reveals a general agreement on the need for reform while also highlighting the challenges associated with implementation.

Contention

Points of contention revolve around the financial implications for counties that choose to implement hand counting over machine counting. Critics argue that while the desire for integrity in elections is commendable, the associated costs—which include labor and equipment for marking and counting ballots—may be onerous for some jurisdictions. Additionally, concerns about the emergency clause, which allows the bill to take effect immediately upon approval, hint at the rush without comprehensive preparation. Such discussions underscore the balance between enacting necessary reforms and ensuring practical application.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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.

AR SB80

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.

AR SB77

To Amend The Uniform Classification And Compensation Act; And To Declare An Emergency.

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 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.

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 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 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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.