On February 6, the Arkansas House passed HB 1246, the bill that expands the petitioning period for a new party petition from any 60 days the party chooses, to any 90 days it chooses. The vote was 84-13.

The Green Party suggested this bill, because it was extremely difficult for it to complete its 2007 petition in only 60 days. 10,000 valid signatures are needed.

The other ballot access bill, HB 1247, will receive a vote next week.