HB1620 Summary

• Creates new Arkansas Code § 7-11-304 establishing uniform special election dates: second Tuesday in January, third Tuesday in May, second Tuesday in August, or Tuesday after first Monday in November, with exceptions for emergency elections and those held with primary or general elections.

• Requires proclamations calling special elections be filed at least 75 days before the election date and establishes minimum notice periods (60-70 days depending on election type).

• Defines "emergency" special elections as those addressing substantial legal or constitutional changes, natural disasters, or imminent public health/safety dangers that cannot wait for the next regular special election date.

• Amends 39 separate Arkansas Code sections across multiple chapters to align existing special election requirements with the new uniform dates under § 7-11-304, replacing various individual election deadlines and timeframes.

• Exempts special elections to fill vacancies, runoff elections, local option elections, and those specifically provided for by the Arkansas Constitution from the new uniform date requirements.