The bill amends the definition of "paid canvasser" in Arkansas law to clarify the conditions under which a person is considered a paid canvasser for local option elections, initiatives, and referenda. The new definition specifies that a paid canvasser is someone who, in exchange for soliciting or obtaining a signature on a petition, is either paid or has an agreement to receive payment or anything of value. Additionally, it introduces a broader range of what constitutes "items of value," which includes payments for food, lodging, travel expenses, reimbursements, bonuses, stipends, allowances, fees, gratuities, awards, gift cards, and other related payments.

The bill also updates the language in existing statutes to ensure consistency in the definition of paid canvassers across different contexts, such as local option elections and initiatives or referenda. The amendments aim to provide clearer guidelines for the hiring and training of paid canvassers, ensuring that all forms of compensation are accounted for in the definition, thereby enhancing transparency and compliance in the electoral process.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1714 V2 - 4-2-2025 11:22 AM: 3-8-801(3), 7-9-601(c)
Old version HB1714 Original - 3-10-2025 01:07 PM: 3-8-801(3), 7-9-601(c)
HB 1714: 3-8-801(3), 7-9-601(c)