Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

Arkansas House Bill HB1756

Introduced
3/28/23  
Refer
3/28/23  
Report Pass
3/30/23  
Engrossed
4/4/23  
Refer
4/5/23  
Report Pass
4/6/23  
Enrolled
4/10/23  
Chaptered
4/12/23  

Caption

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.

Impact

The bill's adjustments to the reporting structure specifically target the timeliness and completeness of financial disclosures required from candidates running for various offices in Arkansas. By increasing the threshold for certain reporting requirements and allowing for electronic submissions, the bill simplifies the process for candidates while maintaining oversight through a stricter enforcement mechanism for failings in reporting. This could lead to better compliance from candidates as the penalties for non-compliance grow more immediate and tangible.

Summary

House Bill 1756 aims to amend existing laws surrounding campaign finance and the operations of the Arkansas Ethics Commission. The key changes include adjustments to campaign contribution and expenditure reporting requirements, the introduction of automatic fines for delinquent reporting, and the provision for online complaint submissions to the Ethics Commission. These amendments intend to enhance transparency and accountability in campaign financing, addressing numerous areas that have previously been a source of confusion for candidates and political entities alike.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB1756 is mixed, with supporters underscoring its potential to streamline campaign finance regulations and enhance transparency, while critics express concerns regarding the new fines and the burdens that might disproportionately affect smaller candidates or those with fewer resources. There appears to be a general recognition of the importance of campaign finance reform, though opinions diverge on the best means to achieve it.

Contention

Notable points of contention exist regarding the implications of automatic fines for late reporting. Proponents believe that this will deter delays and enforce accountability, while detractors argue that such measures may inadvertently penalize candidates who may struggle with compliance due to insufficient support or knowledge. Additionally, the increase in reporting thresholds raises debates around the implications for transparency, especially concerning larger contributions that are not as heavily scrutinized.

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 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 SR5

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Prohibit Foreign-party-controlled Ownership Of A Digital Asset Mining Business.

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 SR13

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023; And To Amend The Uniform Money Services Act.

AR HR1018

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023; And To Amend The Uniform Money Services Act.

AR SR16

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Amend The Requirements For A Digital Asset Mining Business Or Business Using A Blockchain Network.

AR HR1015

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Amend The Requirements For A Digital Asset Mining Business Or Business Using A Blockchain Network.

AR HR1009

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Prohibit Foreign-party-controlled Ownership Of A Digital Asset Mining Business.

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.

Similar Bills

KS HB2054

Senate Substitute for HB 2054 by Committee on Federal and State Affairs - Increasing the limits on certain campaign contributions under the campaign finance act.

KS HB2167

Amending the campaign finance act to regulate and limit the use of cryptocurrency and to prohibit the use of any political funds collected by a candidate or candidate committee for a candidate for federal office.

KS SB177

Increasing the limits on certain campaign contributions under the campaign finance act, providing for automatic increases to such limits based on the consumer price index and eliminating such limits on contributions to party committees.

KS HB2535

Prohibiting the use of cryptocurrency for campaign finance contributions and removing the prohibition on the use of political funds subject to reporting under the campaign finance act for the campaign of a candidate for federal elective office.

CA SB644

Political Reform Act of 1974: contribution limits.

KS SB136

Limiting contributions under the campaign finance act made to political committees for the purpose of independent contributions and requiring the accounting, reporting and auditing of such independent contributions.

MS SB2658

Campaign finance; comprehensive reform of laws pertaining to.

CA AB236

Campaign disclosure: limited liability companies.