TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS ABSENTEE VOTER INTEGRITY ACT OF 2025; TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING COUNTING ABSENTEE BALLOTS; TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING ELECTIONS; AND TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE.

SB 247, titled the "Arkansas Absentee Voter Integrity Act of 2025," amends laws concerning the processing and counting of absentee ballots in Arkansas. It specifies that outer absentee ballot envelopes can be opened starting the Tuesday before an election, but inner envelopes and ballot counting cannot begin until 8:30 a.m. on election day. The bill requires public notice and access for viewing the absentee ballot processing and outlines new reporting duties for county clerks regarding absentee applications and ballots. It also restricts county clerk access to ballots after outer envelopes are opened, unless specifically authorized by the county board of election commissioners.