HB1368 Summary

• Creates a new standardized special election date system by adding Arkansas Code § 7-11-304, requiring special election proclamations to be filed at least 75 days before the election date.

• Establishes that non-presidential year special elections must be held on the third Tuesday in May or the Tuesday after the first Monday in November, while special elections in years with general elections must be held with those general elections.

• Provides exemptions for emergency special elections involving substantial legal changes, natural disasters, or imminent public health dangers, and for elections to fill vacancies, runoffs, local options, or elections otherwise provided in the Arkansas Constitution.

• Amends 42 existing Arkansas Code sections across multiple chapters to reference the new § 7-11-304 standardized election dates, replacing various conflicting individual timeframes and date requirements.

• Maintains Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education approval requirements for school district special election dates while consolidating election scheduling procedures across local government entities, school districts, and special districts.