The bill amends the existing campaign finance laws in Arkansas, specifically focusing on the reporting requirements for candidates running for school district, township, municipal, and county offices. Key changes include the requirement for candidates to file preelection reports of contributions and expenditures no later than sixty days prior to elections, as opposed to the previous seven days. Additionally, candidates must now submit these reports twenty days before elections, and final reports are required within thirty days after the election, regardless of the amount of contributions or expenditures made.

Furthermore, the bill repeals previous provisions that exempted candidates for county office from filing reports if they did not exceed $500 in contributions or expenditures. This change aims to ensure greater transparency and accountability in campaign financing. The amendments also clarify the reporting process for candidates who withdraw from their campaigns, requiring them to notify the county clerk and file final reports of contributions and expenditures. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the integrity of the electoral process in Arkansas by tightening reporting requirements for candidates.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1281 Original - 1-28-2025 01:41 PM: 7-6-208(a), 7-6-208(d), 7-6-209(a), 7-6-209(d)
Old version HB1281 V2 - 2-4-2025 10:27 AM: 7-6-208(a), 7-6-208(d), 7-6-208, 7-6-209(a), 7-6-209(d), 7-6-209
HB 1281: 7-6-208(a), 7-6-208(d), 7-6-209(a), 7-6-209(d)