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 in financial statements. The bill introduces definitions for noncandidate expenditures, outlines the responsibilities of noncandidate expenditure committees, and sets forth reporting requirements for contributions and expenditures exceeding $1,000. Key provisions include the registration of these committees with the Secretary of State, maintenance of detailed records, and the filing of reports at specified intervals leading up to elections.

Additionally, the bill prohibits contributors to noncandidate expenditure committees from transferring funds received from others and restricts soliciting contributions for the purpose of transferring them to these committees. It mandates that any committee making expenditures for judicial candidates maintain segregated accounts and keep detailed records accessible to the Arkansas Ethics Commission and local prosecuting attorneys for four years. The bill empowers registered voters to take legal action against noncandidate expenditure committees for compliance issues, with the possibility of reimbursement for expenses and attorney's fees if they prevail. The Arkansas Ethics Commission is tasked with creating rules to implement these provisions, with a deadline for initial rules set for January 1, 2026, and the new requirements will take effect for the November 2026 nonpartisan judicial 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