The bill amends the laws regarding the administration of the oath of office for various municipal and state officials in Arkansas. It specifies the individuals authorized to administer these oaths, expanding the list to include federal justices and judges from the United States Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and District Court. Additionally, it allows for oaths to be administered by clerks of county courts, circuit courts, and city officials, while also clarifying that former judges who served for at least four years in circuit, chancery, municipal, or district courts are eligible to administer oaths.

Key insertions in the bill include the addition of federal judges and former judges as authorized individuals to administer oaths, as well as the inclusion of clerks from various court levels. The bill also removes certain language that may have previously limited the scope of who could administer oaths, thereby broadening the options available for officials taking their oaths. Overall, the amendments aim to streamline the process and ensure that a wider range of qualified individuals can facilitate the administration of oaths for elected and appointed officials.

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