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Senate committee hears SJR 4 to tighten Arkansas initiative and amendment rules; critics warn of reduced ballot access
Summary
The Senate State Agencies Committee heard testimony on SJR 4, a joint resolution proposing a 60% passage threshold for constitutional amendments, pre-circulation title review, limits on signature gathering during the cure period, and authority for the legislature to regulate canvassers; opponents said the changes would make it harder for citizens to reach the ballot. No vote was taken.
The Senate State Agencies Committee heard public testimony on SJR 4, a proposed joint resolution that would change how Arkansas initiative petitions and constitutional amendments reach the ballot. Sponsors said the bill is intended to "clarify, streamline and protect the citizens of Arkansas," while opponents warned it would make ballot access harder for ordinary citizens.
Committee members and the bill’s sponsor walked the panel through the resolution section by section. Key provisions include requiring statewide initiative petitions to be filed with the Secretary of State by March 1 of the election year; authorizing the General Assembly to set a process to approve the sufficiency of a ballot title before petitions are circulated; raising the required passage threshold for constitutional amendments to 60% while leaving initiated acts at 50% plus one; and restricting the collection…
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