Arkansas 2023 Regular Session Status: In Committee

SB 431 — AMENDING ARKANSAS LAW CONCERNING THE HANDLING OF ABSENTEE BALLOTS.

Last action — Sine Die adjournment

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  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed Senate
  4. 4
    Passed House
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill died with 2023 Regular Session. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.

This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there is no live prognosis. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.

Bill Text

How this bill changes current law

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The bill repeals the definition of 'designated bearer' and outlines new regulations and penalties for handling absentee ballots.

  • Arkansas Code § 7-1-101(9)

    “Designated bearer” means any person who is identified and authorized by the applicant to obtain from the county clerk or to deliver to the county clerk the applicant's ballot;

    The definition of 'designated bearer' is removed from the law.

  • Arkansas Code § 7-5-403

    A designated bearer may obtain absentee ballots for no more than two (2) voters per election. → An authorized agent may deliver applications for absentee ballots to the county clerk and obtain absentee ballots from the county clerk for not more than two (2) voters per election who cannot cast a ballot at the appropriate polling place on election day because the voter is a patient in a hospital or long-term care or residential care facility licensed by the state.

    The bill clarifies that only authorized agents, instead of designated bearers, can obtain absentee ballots on behalf of voters unable to vote on election day.

  • Arkansas Code § 7-5-403(a)(2)

    A designated bearer shall not have more than two (2) absentee ballots in his or her possession at any time. → At no time shall an authorized agent have more than two (2) absentee ballots in his or her possession.

    The regulation regarding maximum absentee ballots in possession is standardized for authorized agents.

  • Arkansas Code § 7-5-403(a)(3)(A)

    A designated bearer receiving an absentee ballot from the county clerk for a voter shall obtain the absentee ballot directly from the county clerk and deliver the absentee ballot directly to the voter. → An authorized agent receiving an absentee ballot from the county clerk for a voter shall deliver the absentee ballot directly to the voter.

    The language clarifies that only authorized agents may receive and deliver absentee ballots directly to voters.

  • Arkansas Code § 7-5-403(e)

    Any person other than an authorized agent or administrator who purposely obtains an absentee ballot for a voter: → Any person who knowingly makes a false statement on an affidavit required by this section shall be guilty of perjury and subject to a fine of up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or imprisonment of up to ten (10) years.

    Penalties for false statements regarding absentee ballots are defined and clarified.

Action History

  1. Sine Die adjournment

  2. Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.

  3. Read first time, rules suspended, read second time, referred to JUDICIARY COMMITTEE - SENATE

  4. Filed

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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2 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 136 not signed on

Sponsors (2)

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (136)

136 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Subjects

elections
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Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors SB 431?
SB 431 is sponsored by Tony Furman and Alan Clark.
What is the current status of SB 431?
This bill died with 2023 Regular Session. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
Where can I track SB 431?
Track SB 431 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

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Last checked for changes 3 months ago · updated continuously

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