The bill amends existing campaign finance laws in Arkansas to enhance transparency regarding campaign contributions and expenditures for candidates running for school district, township, municipal, and county offices. Key changes include the requirement for candidates to file reports with the county clerk, replacing the previous annual reporting system with a more frequent reporting schedule. Candidates will now be required to submit quarterly reports when not on the ballot and monthly reports when they are, with specific deadlines for preelection and final reports. This aims to ensure that all contributions and expenditures are disclosed in a timely manner, thereby improving accountability in campaign financing.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for candidates who withdraw from a campaign, mandating them to notify the county clerk and file final reports of contributions and expenditures. The amendments also clarify that candidates who retain campaign funds after an election must continue to file reports if they engage in future fundraising or expenditures. Overall, these changes are designed to protect election integrity and ensure that voters have access to comprehensive information about campaign financing.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1243 Original - 1-27-2025 01:29 PM: 7-6-208(a), 7-6-209(a)
Old version HB1243 V2 - 2-4-2025 10:34 AM: 7-6-208(a), 7-6-209(a)
HB 1243: 7-6-208(a), 7-6-209(a)