LITTLE ROCK (AP) -- A new ballot initiative aims to require government agencies verify all those seeking public benefits in Arkansas are legal residents of the United States.
The measure, by a group calling itself Secure Arkansas, also would require those older than 13 to sign an oath saying they live legally in the country. The group says those who falsely fill out an affidavit could face perjury charges.
Exceptions to the measure would include emergency medical care, disaster relief, soup kitchens, crisis counseling and short-term shelters.
The group filed the measure March 27 with the state attorney general's office. The state has until April 9 to review the proposed measure. If approved, supporters could begin gathering the required 61,974 signatures needed to place it before voters in November.
