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Bill

HB 1714

TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF PAID CANVASSER.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Kim Hammer and 1 co-sponsor

House Bill 1714 aimed to redefine "paid canvasser" in Arkansas, enhancing transparency in petition signature gathering for elections and impacting how canvassers are compensated.

Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
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Bill Summary · HB 1714

Summary of House Bill 1714

Bill Number: HB 1714
Title: To Amend the Definition of Paid Canvasser
Status: Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment
Introduced: March 10, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1714 aimed to amend the existing definition of "paid canvasser" in Arkansas law. The bill sought to clarify the terms under which individuals are considered paid canvassers for local option elections, initiatives, and referenda. The intent was to ensure that the definition encompasses various forms of compensation, thereby regulating the activities of those soliciting signatures for petitions.

Key Provisions

The bill proposed the following amendments to the Arkansas Code:

  1. Definition Changes:

    • The term "paid canvasser" was to be defined as a person who, in exchange for or as a reward for soliciting or obtaining a signature on a petition, either:
      • Is paid or has an agreement to be paid money or anything of value before or after soliciting a signature.
      • Receives anything of value before or after soliciting a signature.

  2. Amendments to Existing Laws:

    • The bill aimed to amend Arkansas Code § 3-8-801(3) and § 7-9-601(c) to reflect the new definition, ensuring consistency across laws governing local option elections and initiatives.

  3. Clarification of Compensation:

    • The language was modified to replace "exchange for" with "exchange for or as a reward for," broadening the scope of what constitutes compensation.

Impact

  • Who Would Be Affected:

    • The bill would have impacted individuals and organizations involved in canvassing for local elections, initiatives, and referenda. This includes political groups, advocacy organizations, and individuals hired to gather signatures.

  • Regulatory Implications:

    • By expanding the definition of paid canvassers, the bill aimed to enhance transparency and accountability in the petition process, potentially affecting how campaigns operate and how canvassers are compensated.

Legislative Timeline

  • March 10, 2025: Bill filed and introduced.
  • March 12, 2025: Returned by the Committee Do Pass.
  • March 17, 2025: Passed in the House and transmitted to the Senate.
  • April 2, 2025: Amendment #1 adopted and the bill was re-referred to the Senate Committee on State Agencies & Governmental Affairs.
  • May 5, 2025: The bill died in the Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.

Conclusion

House Bill 1714 represented an effort to clarify and regulate the role of paid canvassers in Arkansas elections. Although it did not progress past the Senate Committee, the proposed changes highlighted ongoing discussions about election integrity and the regulation of campaign activities.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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