The bill amends existing campaign finance laws in Arkansas, specifically targeting the 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. New monthly reporting obligations are introduced for candidates who maintain campaign funds post-election, alongside requirements for preelection and final reports. Notably, candidates who do not exceed $500 in contributions or expenditures are exempt from certain reporting requirements, thereby streamlining the process for those with minimal financial activity.

Additionally, the bill establishes a new annual reporting requirement for candidates seeking county office, necessitating that they, or their representatives, file a report by December 31 in non-election years, detailing all contributions and expenditures for that year. It further clarifies the reporting obligations based on financial thresholds, with candidates receiving or spending between $500 and $5,000 required to file both preelection and final reports. Importantly, the legislation specifies that personal funds used to pay filing fees will not be counted towards the total contributions or expenditures when determining reporting obligations, enhancing transparency and accountability in 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)
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)
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)