AR SB368

Transfers the State Board of Election Commissioners to the office of the Secretary of State effective July 1, 2017, as a type 1 transfer under Arkansas Code § 25-2-104, while retaining the board's statutory powers, authorities, duties, and functions.

Amends Arkansas Code § 7-4-101 to place the board within the Secretary of State's office and changes legal authority for candidate election handbooks from the board to the Secretary of State, with legal assistance provided by an attorney designated by the Secretary of State rather than the Attorney General.

Redirects fines received by the State Board of Election Commissioners from the State Treasury general revenues to the County Voting System Grant Fund under § 19-5-1247.

Restricts the board from changing policies, terminating or transferring employees, hiring new staff, entering new contracts, or destroying records between the effective date and July 1, 2017, unless approved by the Secretary of State to ensure a smooth transition.

Declares an emergency to complete the transfer before the 2017 annual school election, with the act becoming effective immediately upon governor approval, expiration of veto period, or veto override.