The bill amends existing laws regarding complaints of election law violations and the operations of the State Board of Election Commissioners in Arkansas. It establishes a new deadline for filing complaints, which must be submitted in writing no earlier than the date for absentee ballot delivery and no later than thirty days following the deadline to certify an election. Additionally, the bill clarifies that complaints can be referred by the Joint Performance Review Committee without being subject to the thirty-day filing requirement. It also introduces provisions for notifying complainants about necessary amendments to their complaints and the consequences of failing to make those corrections.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the procedures for the State Board of Election Commissioners when handling complaints. It replaces the requirement for the Board to hold a hearing with the option to make an offer of settlement, which, if rejected, may lead to a hearing and final action within 240 days. Additionally, it adds a provision for the preservation of election materials in response to subpoenas issued by the Board. These changes aim to streamline the complaint process and enhance the accountability of election law enforcement in the state.

Statutes affected:
HB 1464: 7-4-120(b), 7-4-120(c), 7-4-120(i), 7-5-702(c)
Act 295: 7-4-120(b), 7-4-120(c), 7-4-120(i), 7-5-702(c)