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, the bill introduces a broader range of items that qualify as "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 amendments are made to Arkansas Code 3-8-801(3) and 7-9-601(c), replacing previous language with more comprehensive terms that encompass various forms of compensation. The changes 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. This legislative update seeks to enhance transparency and regulation in the canvassing process for elections in the state.

Statutes affected:
HB 1714: 3-8-801(3), 7-9-601(c)