The bill amends Arkansas campaign finance laws to enhance reporting requirements for candidates running for various local offices, including school districts, townships, municipalities, and counties. It mandates that candidates file reports with the Secretary of State during election years, detailing their contributions and expenditures. A new monthly reporting system is introduced for candidates who retain campaign funds post-election, requiring reports to be submitted within twenty days after each month ends. Additionally, candidates who do not exceed $500 in contributions or expenditures are exempt from filing preelection reports, while those who exceed this threshold but remain under $5,000 must file a preelection report and a final report.

Moreover, the bill establishes a new annual reporting requirement for candidates seeking county office, necessitating that they file a report by December 31 in years without an election for their office. This report must include all contributions and expenditures for that year. The bill also clarifies that personal funds used to pay filing fees will not be counted towards the contribution or expenditure totals for reporting purposes. These amendments aim to improve transparency in campaign financing and uphold the integrity of elections in Arkansas.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1243 V2 - 2-4-2025 10:34 AM: 7-6-208(a), 7-6-209(a)
Old version HB1243 V3 - 3-18-2025 10:22 AM: 7-6-208(a), 7-6-208(d), 7-6-209(a), 7-6-209(d)
Old version HB1243 V4 - 4-7-2025 06:57 PM: 7-6-208(a), 7-6-208(d), 7-6-209(a), 7-6-209(d)
Old version HB1243 Original - 1-27-2025 01:29 PM: 7-6-208(a), 7-6-209(a)
HB 1243: 7-6-208(a), 7-6-209(a)
Act 994: 7-6-208(a), 7-6-208(d), 7-6-209(a), 7-6-209(d)