issue 4$500 million water bonds
Read the full text of the measure: official text
In plain words
The state's 2008 water bond money is nearly used up. Issue 4 would let the state borrow up to $500 million more, mostly to make loans and grants to local water, sewer and irrigation projects. (uaex.uada.edu )
Before and after
| Bond authority | 2008 bonds ($300 million) nearly spent | New authority up to $500 million |
|---|---|---|
| Irrigation share | - | Up to $165 million |
| Pace of borrowing | - | Up to $60 million per two years without extra legislative approval |
Numbers from the official ballot title (ballot title ); also see (uaex.uada.edu )
Example
Illustration only: if the commission sold the full $60 million allowed in one two-year period, that money could fund loans to several city water or sewer systems, which repay the loans over time; the state still owes the bond payments either way. (arkleg.state.ar.us )
Biggest change
- Up to $500 million in general obligation bonds, backed by the state's full faith and credit. source: arkleg.state.ar.us
- No more than $165 million for irrigation facilities. source: arkleg.state.ar.us
- No more than $60 million in any two-year period beginning July 1 of odd-numbered years without legislative approval. source: arkleg.state.ar.us
- Bonds may run up to 35 years; the commission must prepare a plan reviewed by the governor, chief fiscal officer and legislators before selling bonds. source: uaex.uada.edu
Who it affects most: Cities, rural water systems, farmers using irrigation, and state taxpayers who back the bonds.
Cost to the state: Up to $500 million in state debt plus interest, repaid over up to 35 years. Debt payments get first claim on state general revenue; loan repayments also help pay debt. (UA Extension)
Our plain-words summary. Every line points to its source.
What your vote means
A YES (FOR) vote lets the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission issue up to $500 million in state bonds, repaid over up to 35 years, starting July 1, 2027.
A NO (AGAINST) vote means no new bonds under this act; the legislature would need to use general revenue or other money for these water programs and federal matches.
Our one-line summary. Arkansas does not publish an official "what your vote means" statement; the ballot title above is the official description.
Why people want it, and why others object
Why this is on the ballot
The Legislature put this on the ballot. It changes a state law, which lawmakers can later change. It passes with A majority of the voters voting on the question (Act 578, sec. 15-20-1519(a))..
- Arkansas General Assembly (Act 578 of 2025). Sponsors: Sen. Bart Hester and Rep. Howard Beaty Jr. source: arkleg.state.ar.us
- Voters approved a $300 million water bond in 2008 by 631,767 to 332,507; its last funds are being used. source: uaex.uada.edu
- UA Extension cites an EPA-identified need of more than $13 billion for Arkansas drinking water, sewer and stormwater projects. source: uaex.uada.edu
- A Talk Business & Politics/Hendrix College poll in August 2026 found 66% for. source: kuaf.com
Why supporters want it
No public statement found.
Why opponents object
No public statement found.
Who backs each side
- For: Sen. Bart Hester and Rep. Howard Beaty Jr. (Legislative sponsors) source: uaex.uada.edu
- Against: No public statement found.
In each side's own words where we could find them, quoted or summarized with a link to the source. We don't endorse either side.
What you will see on your ballot
Official ballot wording, word for word (tap to open)
The official ballot title, word for word from the Arkansas General Assembly .
Arkansas Water, Waste Disposal, and Pollution Abatement Facilities Financing Act of 2025.
Shall the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission be authorized to issue general obligation bonds under the authority of the Arkansas Water, Waste Disposal, and Pollution Abatement Facilities Financing Act of 2025, for the financing and refinancing of the development of water, waste disposal, water pollution control, abatement and prevention, drainage, irrigation, flood control, and wetlands and aquatic resources projects to serve the citizens of the State of Arkansas, in total principal amount not to exceed five hundred million dollars ($500,000,000), with no more than one hundred sixty-five million dollars ($165,000,000) in total principal amount of such bonds to be issued to finance and refinance the development of irrigation facilities, in series from time to time in principal amounts not to exceed, without prior approval of the General Assembly, sixty million dollars ($60,000,000) in any two-year period beginning on July 1 of each odd-numbered year, which bonds shall be secured by a pledge of the full faith and credit of the State of Arkansas?
FOR Issuance of State of Arkansas Water, Waste Disposal, and Pollution Abatement Facilities general obligation bonds.
AGAINST Issuance of State of Arkansas Water, Waste Disposal, and Pollution
Copied word for word from the Secretary of State's notice "Constitutional Amendment (or Other Measure) Referred to the People by the General Assembly" for Issue No. 4, page 1 (ar_Issue_No_4_Act_578_of_2026.pdf). The notice prints the Ballot Title, the Ballot Question and the two choices; they are shown in that order.
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Full text of the measure
Read it in the official text , or on the Legislature's page for Issue 4 (Act 578 of 2025) , which also shows the votes in each chamber.
Read more
- Arkansas Secretary of State: Initiatives and referenda (official notices for Issues 1 to 4, PDF)
- Official text (Act 578 of 2025)
- UA Extension 2026 Ballot Issues Voter Guide
We link to analysis from several sources; we don't endorse it.