The "Ensuring Access for All Arkansans and Voter Protection Act of 2023" aims to amend the procedures for filing ballot initiative and referendum petitions in Arkansas. The bill introduces new requirements for the verification of signatures on these petitions, mandating that petitions must be filed from a minimum of fifty counties and must include signatures from at least three-fourths of the designated percentage of electors in each of those counties. If the petitions do not meet these requirements by the filing deadline, the official responsible for verifying the signatures will declare the petition insufficient and will not accept additional signatures to remedy the insufficiency.

Additionally, the bill includes an emergency clause, emphasizing the need for increased participation from all regions of Arkansas in the signature-gathering process for initiatives and referendums. It asserts that broad participation is essential for the public health, safety, and welfare of Arkansans, as it allows citizens to exercise their constitutional rights. The act will take effect immediately upon approval by the Governor or under specific conditions if not acted upon.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB260 V2 - 2-20-2023 01:36 PM: 7-9-126
SB 260: 7-9-126