TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING APPROPRIATION FOR ELECTION EXPENSES; AND TO ALLOW COMPENSATION FOR A CERTIFIED ELECTION MONITOR AS AN ELECTION EXPENSE.

Arkansas Senate Bill 295 (now Act 281) amends election funding law to allow local election authorities to pay certified election monitors as an approved election expense. The bill specifically adds "compensation for certified election monitors of the State Board of Election Commissioners" to the list of allowable costs under Arkansas Code § 7-4-123(a). This change directly affects election administrators and certified monitors by providing a new funding mechanism for their compensation. The bill was enacted on March 12, 2025, after passing both chambers and being delivered to the Governor. It represents a procedural adjustment to election expense rules without altering voting procedures or eligibility.