HJR1007

A Constitutional Amendment To Create A Procedure For The Recall Of Certain Elected Officials.

Failed

Last Action (May 5, 2025): Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.

AI-Generated Summary

HJR 1007 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish a formal process for the recall of a wide range of elected state and local officials in Arkansas. The resolution defines an elected official to include roles ranging from the Governor and judicial members to county-level positions like sheriffs, clerks, and justices of the peace. To initiate a recall, qualified electors must file a notice of intent followed by a petition containing a number of signatures equal to at least 25% of the votes cast for Governor in the official's respective jurisdiction during the last gubernatorial election. The Secretary of State (or the Attorney General if the Secretary is the subject) is responsible for verifying the sufficiency of the petitions. If deemed sufficient, a special election is triggered where voters decide whether the official may continue to serve or must vacate the position. The amendment includes specific procedural rules for circulation, verification, and ballot formatting, while also limiting recall efforts to once per term of office.

Potential Impact Analysis

Who Might Benefit?

The primary beneficiaries are the registered voters of Arkansas, who gain an expanded mechanism of direct democracy to hold their elected representatives accountable and remove them from office before the end of their term if they are dissatisfied with their performance or conduct. This process empowers the electorate by providing a formal constitutional check on both state-wide and local officials.

Who Might Suffer?

The primary group negatively impacted consists of the elected officials identified in the resolution, as they would be subject to potential removal at any time during their term based on the success of a petition drive and subsequent election. This creates increased job insecurity for these individuals and subjects them to the potential financial and political costs of defending against a recall campaign, which may also place a strain on taxpayer resources due to the requirement for special elections.

Read Full Bill on arkleg.state.ar.us