SB209

Senate Bill 209 amends Arkansas law regarding initiative and referendum petitions. The bill prohibits the Secretary of State from counting any signatures collected or witnessed by a canvasser if it is determined, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the canvasser violated election laws. Specifically, this applies to violations involving perjury, forgery, fraudulent practices in signature procurement, or any relevant provision of the Arkansas Constitution during the current election cycle. The act includes a severability clause, ensuring that if any portion of the law is found invalid, the remaining parts stay in effect. Furthermore, the bill contains an emergency clause, which mandates that the law takes effect immediately upon approval, citing the need to ensure the integrity of the 2026 election cycle. The stated purpose is to strengthen the initiative process and maintain public confidence in the democratic system.