Bill > HB1714

This bill amends the definition of a "paid canvasser" in Arkansas law for local option elections and initiatives/referenda by expanding what constitutes receiving compensation for petition signature gathering. Specifically, the bill broadens the definition to include not just direct payment for soliciting signatures, but also receiving any "item of value" before or after signature collection. The extensive list of "items of value" includes payments for food, lodging, travel expenses, reimbursements, bonuses, stipends, allowances, fees, gratuities, awards, gift cards, incidental expenses, and other associated payments. This means that individuals who receive any of these benefits while working to gather petition signatures would now be classified as "paid canvassers," which likely carries specific legal implications for petition signature verification and campaign practices. The changes apply to both local option election petitions and initiative/referendum petitions, standardizing the definition across different types of electoral processes in Arkansas.

Government Affairs

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1714&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R