AR HB1532

Amends Arkansas Code § 7-7-205(c) to clarify nomination requirements for newly certified political parties formed through petition process.

Requires new political parties to nominate candidates by convention for the first general election after certification, with conventions held no later than 12:00 noon on the preferential primary election date.

Requires certificates of nomination to be filed with the Secretary of State or county clerk no later than 12:00 noon on the preferential primary election date.

Allows conventions to be held in any manner authorized by the rules of the new political party.

Requires candidates nominated by convention to file a political practices pledge with the Secretary of State or county clerk during the party filing period; if the party obtains 3% of votes cast for Governor or presidential electors in the first general election, subsequent candidates are nominated through party primary elections.

Mandates that any challenges to certification of petition sufficiency must be filed with Pulaski County Circuit Court.