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 all circulators by the Secretary of State, as outlined in section 3519.11. The bill also expands the definition of "statewide initiative petition" to encompass proposed laws, constitutional amendments, and supplementary petitions for additional signatures. To ensure accountability, circulators are now mandated to include their license number on the petition statement.

In addition to the licensing requirement, the bill clarifies existing rules regarding the qualifications for petition signers, the responsibilities of circulators, and the procedures for filing petitions. It establishes a registry of licensed circulators for verification by boards of elections and specifies that petitions lacking a valid circulator license are not properly verified. The bill also repeals certain existing sections of the Revised Code that are superseded by these new provisions, while ensuring that part-petitions signed before the law's effective date remain valid if they adhere to prior requirements. Overall, the legislation aims to improve the integrity and oversight of the petition process in Ohio.

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