How SB 211 changes current law

AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

The bill establishes a requirement for canvassers to submit an affidavit before their petition signatures can be counted, enhancing oversight of the initiative process.

• Arkansas Code § 7-9-111

  (j)(1) Except as provided under subdivision (j)(4) of this section, a canvasser shall file a true affidavit with the Secretary of State certifying that the canvasser has complied with the Arkansas Constitution and all Arkansas law regarding canvassing, perjury, forgery, and fraudulent practices in the procurement of petition signatures during the current election cycle.

  Canvassers must now file an affidavit certifying compliance with relevant laws before signatures can be counted.

• Arkansas Code § 7-9-111

  (2) The Secretary of State shall not count the signatures submitted by the canvasser until a true affidavit is submitted under subdivision (j)(1) of this section.

  Signatures cannot be counted unless the required affidavit is submitted.

• Arkansas Code § 7-9-111

  (8) Signatures submitted by a canvasser who has not filed a true affidavit with the Secretary of State as required under § 7-9-111 certifying that the canvasser has complied with the Arkansas Constitution and all Arkansas laws regarding canvassing, perjury, forgery, and fraudulent practices in the procurement of petition signatures during the current election cycle.

  Signatures gathered by canvassers without an affidavit will not be counted.

• Arkansas Code § 7-9-111

  (4)(A) The inability of a canvasser to submit an affidavit due to death or medical disability shall not disqualify the signatures gathered by the canvasser.

  Signatures remain valid if a canvasser cannot submit an affidavit due to death or medical disability.