Bill > HB1750

This bill modifies provisions for initiative petitions in Missouri, introducing several key changes to the process of filing and circulating ballot measures. The bill expands the definition of a "lobbyist" to include individuals who file initiative or referendum petitions and paid signature circulators. It establishes new eligibility requirements for petition filers, including being a U.S. citizen, a Missouri resident, and a registered voter in the state for at least one year. The bill introduces a ten-thousand-dollar filing fee for statutory initiative and referendum petitions under certain conditions, such as when it's a second petition in a general election cycle or the petitioner is receiving compensation. Additionally, the bill adds provisions that make entities funding petitions liable for actions of paid individuals involved in the petition process, and requires such entities to register as campaign committees. The legislation also strengthens penalties for petition signature fraud, including potential felony charges for subsequent convictions, and requires the secretary of state to forward names of fraudulent signers to the attorney general. The bill further stipulates that if a court substantially alters an official ballot title, all previously gathered signatures would be invalidated, and adds more stringent requirements for petition circulators, including residency and registration provisions.