Bill > HB1574

This bill amends Arkansas election law to establish new residency requirements for paid canvassers collecting signatures for state-wide initiative or referendum petitions. Specifically, the bill requires that paid canvassers must be residents of Arkansas and have their legal domicile (defined as "actual residence plus the intent to remain in a particular place") within the state when working on statewide petition efforts. The legislation imposes a significant financial penalty of $2,500 for each paid canvasser hired who does not meet these residency requirements. Sponsors or agents of petition drives who knowingly hire non-resident or non-domiciled canvassers will be in violation of the law. The bill also includes a severability clause, which means that if any part of the law is found to be invalid, the rest of the law can still be enforced. The purpose appears to be ensuring that petition signature gatherers have a genuine connection to and understanding of the state where they are collecting signatures.

Government Affairs

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1574&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R