SJR4
An Amendment To The Arkansas Constitution To Provide That The Annual School Election Shall Not Be Held If The Proposed Rate Of Tax Levy Is The Same As Last Approved And No Other Matters Are To Be Decided.
Last Action (May 5, 2025): Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
Sponsors
AI-Generated Summary
SJR 4 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would modify the process for school district tax elections in Arkansas. Under the amendment, if a school board proposes a tax rate that is identical to the rate previously approved by voters, that rate would not appear on the ballot. Furthermore, if no other items or issues are scheduled for the school election ballot, the election itself would not be held. The measure aims to reduce administrative costs and election logistics in situations where there is no change to the school tax levy or other business to address. If passed by the legislature and approved by voters, the amendment would take effect on January 1, 2027.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries would be school districts and county election commissions, as they would see reduced administrative burdens and costs associated with holding elections that feature no contested or new ballot measures. Taxpayers may also benefit indirectly through the savings of public funds that would otherwise be spent on conducting elections for which there are no active policy or tax changes.
Who Might Suffer?
The primary groups negatively impacted would be voters who wish to express their formal approval or disapproval of school tax rates through the electoral process. By eliminating the election when tax rates remain unchanged and no other matters are pending, citizens lose the opportunity to formally cast a vote on local school funding levels during those cycles. This shift reduces direct democratic participation regarding school district fiscal policy.
Get Notified
Receive an email when this bill's status changes.