The proposed bill aims to enhance transparency and public confidence in appellate judicial elections in Arkansas by instituting new regulations for noncandidate expenditure committees. It requires that all campaign contribution and expenditure reports be verified by both candidates and these committees, while also introducing definitions for noncandidate expenditures. The bill mandates that these committees register with the Secretary of State and file detailed financial reports, including the identities of contributors and the amounts contributed. The Arkansas Ethics Commission is empowered to create rules governing these expenditures, ensuring comprehensive disclosure related to appellate judicial races.

Additionally, the bill prohibits contributors from transferring funds received from other individuals to noncandidate expenditure committees and requires these committees to maintain segregated accounts for expenditures related to judicial candidates. It also allows registered voters to take legal action against noncandidate expenditure committees for compliance enforcement, with the possibility of recovering expenses and attorney's fees if they prevail. The Arkansas Ethics Commission must establish rules for these provisions by January 1, 2026, but the registration and reporting requirements will not be enforced until after the 2026 nonpartisan judicial general election, taking effect for the November 2026 runoff election.

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