On February 4, both Arkansas bills to improve ballot access for minor parties passed the House State Agencies and Government Affairs Committee. HB 1246 expands the petitioning period for new party petitions from any 60 days to any 90 days. HB 1247 improves the vote test for a party to remain on the ballot from 3% of the vote for the office at the top of the ticket (either President or Governor, depending on which year it was) to 3% for any statewide office at either of the last two elections.