The bill amends the Arkansas Code concerning local initiative and referendum petitions, introducing new definitions and requirements for both statewide and local petitions. Notably, it defines "local" as a county or municipality and establishes that sponsors must submit original drafts of petitions to both the Attorney General and the county clerk before circulation. The bill also specifies that paid canvassers must be registered with the Secretary of State for statewide petitions and with the county clerk for local petitions, ensuring compliance with legal standards regarding canvassing practices.

Additionally, the bill enhances the accountability of canvassers by imposing penalties for various forms of misconduct, such as falsifying signatures or misrepresenting the purpose of a petition. It mandates that signatures collected by canvassers who violate these laws will not be counted, and it requires sponsors to provide a complete list of paid canvassers to the appropriate authorities. The amendments aim to strengthen the integrity of the petition process and ensure that all measures comply with legal and constitutional standards.

Statutes affected:
SB 584: 7-9-101, 7-9-104, 7-9-105, 7-9-103(a), 7-9-103(c), 7-9-103(e), 7-9-107, 7-9-111(j), 7-9-601(a), 7-9-601(b), 7-9-601(f), 7-9-601(g), 14-14-915(a), 14-14-915(b)
Act 768: 7-9-101, 7-9-104, 7-9-105, 7-9-103(a), 7-9-103(c), 7-9-103(e), 7-9-107, 7-9-111(j), 7-9-601(a), 7-9-601(b), 7-9-601(f), 7-9-601(g), 14-14-915(a), 14-14-915(b)