The bill introduced by Representatives Lorenz and Deeter seeks to amend the Ohio Revised Code to enhance the regulation of statewide initiative petition circulators. A significant new requirement is the licensing of circulators by the Secretary of State, as outlined in section 3519.11. This provision mandates that circulators must include their license number on the circulator's statement for a statewide initiative petition, thereby promoting accountability. The bill also clarifies the definition of "statewide initiative petition" to include petitions for proposed laws or constitutional amendments, along with supplementary petitions for additional signatures.

In addition to establishing the licensing requirement, the bill outlines the application process for obtaining a circulator license, which includes submitting personal information, signing a statement of truth, and notarization. The Secretary of State will maintain a registry of licensed circulators for verification by boards of elections. The legislation also specifies that a petition is not properly verified without a valid circulator license and repeals existing sections of the Revised Code that are rendered obsolete by these new provisions. Importantly, it ensures that part-petitions signed before the law's effective date remain valid if they adhere to prior requirements.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3501.01, 3501.38, 3503.06, 3519.05, 3519.06