Signed by Governor Mike Beebe

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a joint resolution that amends campaign contribution laws, increases term limits for legislators, and establishes a citizens commission to set salaries of legislators.

Highlights:

• Prohibits a candidate for public office from accepting any contribution from other than the following (Sec. 2):
• An individual;
• A political party;
• A county political party or legislative caucus committee; or
• An approved political action committee.

• Prohibits elected officials from accepting gifts from lobbyists with certain exceptions including, but not limited to, the following exceptions (Sec. 2):
• Gifts that are not used and are returned within 30 days;
• Gifts that are available free to any member of the general public;
• Food or drink available at a planned activity to which a specific governmental body is invited; and
• Travel expenses to attend conventions at which the presence of Arkansas officials is requested.

• Prohibits a former member of the General Assembly elected beginning November 4, 2014 from becoming a lobbyist until 2 years after leaving office (Sec. 2).

• Increases the term limits for members of the General Assembly to 16 years, whether consecutive or nonconsecutive (Sec. 3).

• Establishes a “citizens commission” consisting of 7 members to set the salaries of elected constitutional officers of the executive department, legislators, justices, and judges, and requires the members to be appointed as follows (Sec. 2):
• 2 members appointed by the governor;
• 2 members appointed by the president pro tempore of the Senate;
• 2 members appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives; and
• 1 member appointed by the chief justice of the Supreme Court of Arkansas.

• Specifies that if any provision of this bill is declared to be invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions are to continue “in full force and effect” (Sec. 17).

Full Bill Text