AR HB1705

Expands the definition of "independent expenditure" for Court of Appeals Judge and Supreme Court Justice races to include expenditures that attempt to influence votes or public perception of candidates, not just those expressly advocating for or against candidates.

Requires independent expenditure committees making expenditures over $500 annually to file detailed reports with the Secretary of State disclosing contributor names, addresses, employers, occupations, and contribution amounts exceeding $50 for appellate judicial races.

Mandates independent expenditure committees for appellate judicial races to register with the Secretary of State before making expenditures and maintain segregated accounts for funds used in these races.

Requires the Arkansas Ethics Commission to adopt rules by January 1, 2020 establishing factors for determining whether expenditures meet independent expenditure criteria and requiring disclosure of fund transfer sources.

Empowers registered voters to bring civil actions in circuit court to force compliance with independent expenditure disclosure requirements and recover attorney's fees if successful.