The proposed legislation, known as "The Water in Line Act of 2025," aims to address specific issues related to voting and the provision of assistance to voters waiting in line. The bill highlights the existing law that prohibits electioneering within 100 feet of polling places and identifies concerns with Act 728 of 2021, which criminalizes the act of providing water or food to voters in line, as well as accompanying elderly or disabled voters. The General Assembly asserts that repealing Act 728 would not impact the electioneering prohibition currently in place.

In addition to establishing the new act, the bill includes a significant amendment to the Arkansas Code by repealing a specific misdemeanor offense related to entering or remaining within 100 feet of polling places. This deletion removes the restriction that previously limited access to individuals entering or leaving the voting area for lawful purposes, thereby allowing volunteers to provide necessary assistance, such as water and food, to those waiting to vote.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1040 V2 - 1-16-2025 04:13 PM: 7-1-103(a)
Old version HB1040 V3 - 1-23-2025 09:39 AM: 7-1-103(a)
Old version HB1040 Original - 11-20-2024 03:16 PM: 7-1-103(a)
HB 1040: 7-1-103(a)