HB1753
To Amend The Law Concerning Voter Registration; To Opt-out Of The National Voter Registration Act Of 1993; And To Amend Provisions Of Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 51, § 5.
Last Action (May 5, 2025): Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
Sponsors
AI-Generated Summary
House Bill 1753 declares that the State of Arkansas opts out of the enforcement and effectuation of the federal National Voter Registration Act of 1993. The bill establishes that Arkansas and its political subdivisions will refrain from providing assistance or material aid for the implementation of this federal act. It amends various sections of the Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 51, to modify the duties of voter registration agencies such as the Office of Driver Services, public assistance agencies, and disabilities agencies. Specifically, the bill changes requirements so that these agencies provide voter registration services only at the explicit request of the applicant, rather than as a standard part of their administrative intake processes. It also outlines updated requirements for mail-in voter registration forms, including specific disclosure statements and information collection procedures. The bill further mandates that certain declination forms for voter registration must be available and utilized in accordance with state law.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill are state and local government officials and administrative agencies who seek to reduce the regulatory burden associated with federal voter registration compliance. Supporters of state sovereignty and those who advocate for a reduced federal role in state-level election administration would also view this as a beneficial change in policy.
Who Might Suffer?
Individuals who rely on public assistance agencies, disabilities services, and the Department of Finance and Administration for convenient access to voter registration may be negatively impacted. Specifically, citizens who may not proactively request voter registration applications or who lack awareness of registration opportunities during their agency appointments might face increased barriers to participating in the electoral process. Additionally, the change may increase the logistical burden on eligible citizens who now have to initiate the registration process independently rather than being offered it as part of routine government service interactions.
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