A bill to give the secretary of state’s office more power over the petition process failed in an Arkansas legislative committee Thursday.

Senate Bill 212 was rejected by members of the Senate State Agencies and Governmental Affairs committee. The bill would grant the Secretary of State’s Office law enforcement powers to investigate the validity of documents relating to ballot initiatives and petitions.

The bill failed on a voice vote after roughly an hour of debate and public comment. Activist Jimmie Cavin was one of several members of the public to speak against the bill, saying it gives the secretary of state too much power.

Panel rejects bill granting secretary of state law enforcement powers

*Dwain Hebda/Arkansas Advocate*
The Arkansas State Capitol.

By SARAH KELLOGG

A bill that would have allowed the Arkansas General Assembly to amend voter-approved constitutional amendments by a two-thirds vote of each chamber failed in the Senate on Monday.

Senators voted 9-17, with two members voting present on Senate Bill 75, ultimately failing the bill. It would have allowed the legislature to modify or even repeal measures "approved by a vote of the people." The legislation defines a measure as any bill, law, resolution, ordinance, charter, constitutional amendment, legislative proposal or "encactment of any character."

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-senate-fails-bill-allowing-legislators-amend-voter-approved-measures

*Sen. Mark Johnson, R-Little Rock, presents Senate Bill 75*