AR SB574

Candidates for elected office in Arkansas must file a sworn statement disclosing their tax payment status and criminal history at the time of candidacy filing.

The statement must address five specific questions: whether the candidate filed all applicable tax returns and financial disclosures for the current period and preceding 5 years; whether they have outstanding tax liabilities; whether they have a tax payment plan and are current on it; whether they are delinquent on business taxes for which they are responsible; and whether they have been convicted of embezzlement, bribery, forgery, felony offenses, abuse of office, tampering, or specific misdemeanors involving deceit or fraud.

Officials receiving sworn statements must make copies available to the public upon request and retain statements for at least 4 years.

Knowingly making a false statement on the sworn statement constitutes a Class A misdemeanor and an election-related misdemeanor offense under Arkansas Constitution Article 5, § 9.

The bill becomes effective immediately upon Governor approval, and the Secretary of State must promulgate rules implementing the requirement, including a form that allows candidates to provide explanations for their answers.