The proposed bill aims to prohibit the use of paid petition circulators in South Dakota and introduces penalties for violations. It amends existing laws regarding the filing and circulation of petitions for initiated amendments, measures, and referred laws. Key amendments include the requirement for petition circulators to provide a handout containing the title and explanation of the petition, as well as the name, phone number, and email address of each petition sponsor. Additionally, the bill specifies that no individual or organization may compensate anyone for circulating a petition, and any petition found to violate this provision will be deemed void ab initio.

The bill also clarifies definitions related to petition circulation, including the terms "petition sponsor" and "ballot measure." It maintains the requirement for petitions to be filed with the Secretary of State and outlines the necessary components for each type of petition, including notarized affidavits from petition sponsors. Overall, the legislation seeks to enhance transparency in the petition process while eliminating financial incentives for circulators.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 02/05/2025: 2-1-1.1, 2-1-1.2, 2-1-1.3, 2-1-3.1
House Judiciary Engrossed, 02/25/2025: 2-1-1.1, 2-1-1.2, 2-1-1.3, 2-1-3.1