Issue 3 of 2026 - Allowing the Legislature to Create Programs, Loans and Grants Using Public Money and to Create Economic Development Districts
The Public Policy Center has provided neutral information on statewide ballot issues since 2004. The 2026 Arkansas Ballot Issue Voter Guide will be available online and at your county Cooperative Extension Service office this fall.
A Constitutional Amendment Concerning Economic Development in the State of Arkansas; and Authorizing the General Assembly to Provide for the Creation of Economic Development Districts Within Cities, Counties, or Cooperative Areas to Promote Economic Development Within the Economic Development District
An amendment to the Arkansas Constitution concerning economic development in the state of Arkansas; and authorizing the general assembly to provide for the creation of economic development districts within cities, counties, or cooperative areas to promote economic development within the economic development district.
The Arkansas Senate and House of Representatives voted in April 2025 to place Issue 3 on the November 2026 General Election Ballot. The Arkansas Constitution grants the legislature the right to include up to three constitutional amendments on the general election ballot.
Constitutional amendments currently require the approval of a majority of voters in a statewide election. Election Day is Nov. 3, 2026.
Sen. Jonathan Dismang of Searcy and Rep. Howard Beaty of Crossett
On Election Day, the ballot will show only the popular name and ballot title of this issue.
Every proposal has more text to it that further describes the proposed law. Read the complete text of Issue 3, or SJR15 of 2025 as it was previously known, on the legislature's website.
A FOR vote means you are in favor of changing and making additions to the Arkansas Constitution related to economic development, including allowing the legislature to create programs, loans or grants of public money and establish economic development districts; allow economic development districts to levy taxes, assessments and fees; allow counties, municipalities, economic development district, and other political subdivisions to issue bonds to finance economic development projects if approved by voters in that jurisdiction; and to repeal any parts of the Arkansas Constitution and supersede court rulings that may be in conflict with this amendment.
An AGAINST vote means you are not in favor of changing and making additions to the Arkansas Constitution related to economic development, including allowing the legislature to create programs, loans or grants of public money and establish economic development districts; allow economic development districts to levy taxes, assessments and fees; allow counties, municipalities, economic development district, and other political subdivisions to issue bonds to finance economic development projects if approved by voters in that jurisdiction; and to repeal any parts of the Arkansas Constitution and supersede court rulings that may be in conflict with this amendment.
Filings with the Arkansas Ethics Commission
Groups that support or oppose ballot issues are required to register with the Arkansas Ethics Commission as a ballot or legislative question committee once they raise or spend a certain amount of money on their efforts. Visit the Commission's website to view these filings, which include names of people behind a group and how much money has been raised or spent.
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