This bill amends the existing laws regarding the filing and processing of complaints related to election law violations in Arkansas. Key changes include the adjustment of deadlines for filing complaints, which are now required to be submitted in writing no earlier than forty-nine days prior to an election and no later than forty-nine days following the election. Additionally, the bill allows for complaints to be referred to the State Board of Election Commissioners by the Joint Performance Review Committee without being subject to the thirty-day filing requirement.

The bill also modifies the timeline for the State Board of Election Commissioners to conclude investigations, extending the period from one hundred eighty days to one hundred eighty-two days from the final deadline to file a complaint. Furthermore, it clarifies that if the Board fails to act within this timeframe, the final administrative action will still be effective within the same extended period. Other amendments include provisions for the disclosure of investigation records and the handling of election integrity reviews, allowing for complaints to be filed beyond the standard deadlines if county officials do not provide necessary records.

Statutes affected:
SB 291: 7-4-120(b), 7-4-120(c), 7-4-120(i), 7-4-124(f)
Act 279: 7-4-120(b), 7-4-120(c), 7-4-120(i), 7-4-124(f)