The bill amends Arkansas Code 21-2-105(a) regarding the administration of the oath of office for various state officials. It specifies that the Governor must take the oath before a justice or judge of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Circuit Court, or District Court, as well as the county clerk or the clerk of the circuit court. Additionally, it outlines that justices of the Supreme Court, judges of the Court of Appeals, circuit courts, and district courts, along with the Secretary of State, Treasurer of State, and Auditor of State, must take their oaths before the Governor or a qualified judge, including any former circuit or chancery judge or former municipal or district judge who served for at least four years.

Furthermore, the bill expands the list of individuals authorized to administer oaths for all other civil and military officers. This includes the Secretary of State or their designee, justices or judges from various courts, clerks of the county and circuit courts, justices of the peace, and clerks or recorders from cities of different classes. The amendments specifically add provisions for former judges who have served a minimum of four years, thereby broadening the pool of officials who can administer oaths.

Statutes affected:
HB 1597: 21-2-105(a)