The proposed bill seeks to improve transparency and public trust in appellate judicial elections in Arkansas by establishing new regulations for noncandidate expenditures. It requires that all reports related to these expenditures be verified by a noncandidate expenditure committee or a representative, ensuring accuracy and completeness. The bill introduces definitions for noncandidate expenditures and committees, mandates registration with the Secretary of State, and requires detailed record-keeping of contributions and expenditures. Additionally, it empowers the Arkansas Ethics Commission to create rules governing these expenditures, including timely reporting of contributions exceeding $1,000, with specific deadlines leading up to elections.

Moreover, the bill imposes restrictions on noncandidate expenditure committees, including prohibiting the transfer of funds received from other individuals and requiring adherence to existing contribution limits. It mandates that these committees maintain segregated accounts for judicial candidate-related expenditures and keep detailed records for at least four years. Registered voters are granted the right to initiate legal actions against noncandidate expenditure committees for noncompliance, with the potential to recover legal expenses if successful. The Arkansas Ethics Commission is tasked with implementing these provisions, with initial rules due by January 1, 2026. Notably, the new registration and reporting requirements will not apply to the 2026 nonpartisan judicial general election but will take effect for the November 2026 judicial runoff election, with registration beginning on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1043 Original - 11-20-2024 03:52 PM: 7-6-213
Old version HB1043 V2 - 1-16-2025 01:29 PM: 7-6-213, 01-16-2025
HB 1043: 7-6-213