Arkansas HB1040: TO CREATE THE WATER IN LINE ACT OF 2025; AND TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PENALTIES FOR MISDEMEANOR OFFENSES RELATED TO VOTING

What the bill says

An act to be entitled an act to create the water in line act of 2025; to amend the law concerning penalties for misdemeanor offenses related to voting; and for other purposes. subtitle to create the water in line act of 2025; and to amend the law concerning penalties for misdemeanor offenses related to voting.

From the introduced text:

An Act To Be Entitled AN ACT TO CREATE THE WATER IN LINE ACT OF 2025; TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PENALTIES FOR MISDEMEANOR OFFENSES RELATED TO VOTING; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Subtitle TO CREATE THE WATER IN LINE ACT OF 2025; AND TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PENALTIES FOR MISDEMEANOR OFFENSES RELATED TO VOTING. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ARKANSAS: SECTION 1. DO NOT CODIFY. Title. This act shall be known and may be cited as "The Water in Line Act of 2025". SECTION 2. DO NOT CODIFY. Legislative findings and intent. The General Assembly finds that: (1) Arkansas has a longstanding law prohibiting electioneering within one hundred feet (100') of a polling place; (2) Act 728 of 2021 applies to people who are not engaging in electioneering activities; (3) In certain circumstances, Act 728 of 2021 makes it a criminal offense for a volunteer to bring water or food to someone waiting in line to vote, a family member to accompany an elderly or disabled voter, and a child to join his or her parent in line to vote; and (4) The repeal of Act 728 of 2021 would have no effect on Arkansas's *SSS012* 01-23-2025 09:39:19 SSS012 As Engrossed: H1/16/25 H1/23/25 HB1040 electioneering prohibition, which would remain in place. SECTION 3. …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Andrew Collins (D, 73) · primary sponsor
• Denise Garner (D, 20)
• Tara Shephard (D, 79)
• Joy Springer (D, 76)
• Worthen, Diana (D, 9)
• Lincoln Barnett (D, 63)

Latest actions

1. May 5, 2025: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
2. January 23, 2025: REPORTED CORRECTLY ENGROSSED
3. January 23, 2025: Amendment No. 2 read and adopted and the bill ordered engrossed.
4. January 23, 2025: Placed on second reading for the purpose of amendment.
5. January 16, 2025: REPORTED CORRECTLY ENGROSSED
6. January 16, 2025: Amendment No. 1 read and adopted and the bill ordered engrossed.
7. January 16, 2025: Placed on second reading for the purpose of amendment.
8. January 13, 2025: Read the first time, rules suspended, read the second time and referred to the Committee on STATE AGENCIES & GOVT'L AFFAIRS- HOUSE
9. November 20, 2024: Filed

Common questions

What is HB1040?

HB1040 is a bill in the Arkansas Legislature (95th General Assembly (2025 Regular)): TO CREATE THE WATER IN LINE ACT OF 2025; AND TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PENALTIES FOR MISDEMEANOR OFFENSES RELATED TO VOTING.

What does HB1040 do?

In its own words: An act to be entitled an act to create the water in line act of 2025; to amend the law concerning penalties for misdemeanor offenses related to voting; and for other purposes. subtitle to create the water in line act of 2025; and to amend the law concerning penalties for misdemeanor offenses related to voting.

What is the status of HB1040?

Failed as of May 5, 2025. Latest action: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment. (May 5, 2025).

Who sponsored HB1040?

Andrew Collins (D, 73), with 5 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB1040?

On the Arkansas Legislature website: https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R&measureno=HB1040