Batesville resident Bryan Norris, who narrowly lost the Republican runoff for Arkansas secretary of state earlier this year, has been cleared of campaign law violations, according to a ruling from the Arkansas Ethics Commission. The complaint was filed by former state Representative Mark Berry, a supporter of Kim Hammer, who defeated Norris in the March runoff.

Berry alleged that Norris’ campaign failed to include a “Paid for by” disclaimer on an advertisement published in the program for the Faulkner County Republican Committee Freedom Fest. However, in a dismissal letter issued on Friday, Arkansas Ethics Commission Interim Director Jill Rogers Barham referenced state laws indicating the program does not fall under the category of materials where such a disclaimer is mandatory. Specifically, she noted that Arkansas Code 7-1-103 requires disclaimers only for advertisements placed in newspapers.

While Barham wrote that campaign staff typically recommend disclaimers in most advertisements, Arkansas Code 7-6-288 does not expressly require disclaimers in all cases. “There are some instances where campaign material is not currently required to include it,” she clarified in the letter.

The commission also dismissed related allegations concerning baked goods and mileage reimbursement. Berry questioned the handling of campaign funds after Norris’ daughter provided baked goods for sale, but the commission found no violation. Barham explained that the campaign purchased the baked goods and reported the expense in its finance filings, although it was under the $100 threshold that mandates detailed reporting.

Berry further argued that Norris improperly reported the cost of charging his electric vehicle for campaign travel instead of reporting mileage. Barham stated Norris demonstrated that he paid for the charging with personal funds, adhering to campaign finance regulations.

Norris, a U.S. Army veteran and project manager, did not respond to inquiries regarding the Ethics Commission's decision.

In a related ruling last month, Kim Hammer, the Republican nominee for Arkansas secretary of state, agreed to pay a $100 fine after the Ethics Commission determined he likely broke state law by filming a campaign advertisement in his state Senate office. Hammer will face Democrat Kelly Grappe and Libertarian Michael Pakko in the general election.

The Ethics Commission’s decisions signal a close examination of campaign practices as election season progresses across the state.