AR
Arkansas House Bill HJR1016
Arkansas 2025 Regular Session
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Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

Arkansas House Bill HJR1016

Introduced
2/12/25  
Refer
2/12/25  

Caption

A Constitutional Amendment To Repeal The Provision Of Arkansas Constitution, Article 5, § 1, Allowing The Sponsor Of An Initiative Or Referendum Petition To Correct Or Amend A Petition.

Impact

If passed, HJR1016 would fundamentally change the ability of petition sponsors to make corrections. The current law allows a substantial timeframe for adjustments, which could enable sponsors a second chance to meet legal requirements for their petitions. By eliminating this provision, the bill might discourage grassroots movements that employ initiatives and referendums as a means of influencing state policy, particularly affecting those without significant financial or organizational resources.

Summary

HJR1016 is a proposed amendment to the Arkansas Constitution aimed at repealing the current provision that allows sponsors of initiative or referendum petitions to correct or amend their submissions after they have been deemed insufficient by the state’s Secretary of State or local clerics. This resolution intends to alter Article 5, § 1 of the Arkansas Constitution, impacting how petitions for initiatives and referendums can be handled once they receive an insufficient rating from the authorities designated for such determinations.

Contention

Supporters of HJR1016 argue that the amendment is necessary to uphold the integrity of the petitioning process and to prevent potential misuse of the system. They contend that allowing corrections after a petition is deemed insufficient can lead to complications and opportunistic behaviors that undermine the initiative process. Conversely, critics assert that the amendment may disenfranchise voters and hinder democratic engagement by complicating the already challenging process of gathering signatures and submitting initiatives. These dissenters fear the potential for marginalized groups to find it more difficult to have their voices heard in state policymaking.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

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