The bill amends the Arkansas Code regarding the administration of oaths of office for various municipal and state officials. It specifies that municipal officers must take their oaths before a range of authorized individuals, including justices or judges from various courts, federal judges, and clerks from different court levels. Notably, the bill adds provisions allowing oaths to be administered by former judges who served for at least four years and expands the list of officials who can administer oaths to include federal judges from the United States Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and District Court.

Additionally, the bill outlines the oath-taking process for the Governor and other state officials, specifying the same categories of judges and clerks as authorized administrators. The amendments include the insertion of language that clarifies the eligibility of former judges and federal judges to administer oaths, ensuring a broader range of qualified individuals can perform this duty. Overall, the bill aims to modernize and clarify the legal framework surrounding the administration of oaths of office in Arkansas.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1597 V2 - 3-13-2025 02:02 PM: 14-42-106(b), 21-2-105(a)
Old version HB1597 Original - 2-26-2025 09:30 AM: 21-2-105(a)
HB 1597: 21-2-105(a)
Act 456: 14-42-106(b), 21-2-105(a)