The bill amends existing laws regarding the canvassing process for petitions related to local option elections in Arkansas. Key changes include the requirement for individuals signing a petition to read the ballot title in the presence of a canvasser or have it read aloud to them before signing. Additionally, canvassers must disclose that petition fraud is a criminal offense prior to obtaining signatures. The bill also introduces stricter penalties for canvassers who fail to comply with these requirements, including a Class A misdemeanor for knowingly accepting signatures without proper verification of the signer's identity or without the required disclosures.

Furthermore, the bill establishes that signatures collected by canvassers who violate canvassing laws will not be counted by the county clerk. It mandates that canvassers must verify the identity of potential petitioners through photo identification before obtaining signatures. A true affidavit certifying compliance with relevant laws must be filed with the county clerk, and signatures will not be counted until this affidavit is submitted. The bill also allows for exceptions in cases of a canvasser's death or medical disability, ensuring that signatures gathered under such circumstances are not disqualified.

Statutes affected:
SB 551: 3-8-805(a), 3-8-805, 3-8-808(a), 3-8-808, 7-1-101(40), 3-8-811(c), 3-8-811