AR HB1420

School districts must adopt a policy designating their election date and provide a copy to county election commissioners and clerks at least 100 days before the candidate filing period, or else use their most recently filed policy.

Candidate petition circulation periods extended from 30 days to 90 days before the filing deadline for school board elections.

Petition signatures dated more than 90 days before the filing deadline are invalid, increased from the previous 30-day threshold.

Candidate filing deadlines standardized: even-numbered years follow party filing periods, odd-numbered years follow dates that would apply if a primary and general election were held, or filing occurs during a one-week period ending 90 days before the election (August 1 for odd-year elections).

Similar 90-day petition circulation and filing periods applied to municipal independent candidates, community college board candidates, and water district board candidates.

Act becomes effective July 1, 2019 under emergency clause to ensure uniform procedures before 2019 school elections.