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HB 1574

TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PAID CANVASSERS; AND TO REQUIRE DOMICILE IN ARKANSAS.

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

House Bill 1574 requires paid canvassers for Arkansas initiatives to be residents and domiciled in the state, enhancing electoral integrity and imposing fines for violations.

Notification that HB1574 is now Act 453
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1574

Summary of House Bill 1574 (Act 453)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1574, now known as Act 453, aims to amend existing laws concerning paid canvassers in the state of Arkansas. The primary intent of the bill is to ensure that individuals acting as paid canvassers for statewide initiatives or referendums are both residents and domiciled in Arkansas. This legislation seeks to enhance the integrity of the petition process by restricting the hiring of non-residents.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several important changes to the Arkansas Code regarding paid canvassers:

  1. Residency and Domicile Requirements:

    • Section 1: A new subdivision is added to Arkansas Code § 7-9-103(a), stipulating that:
      • A person must be a resident of Arkansas to act as a paid canvasser.
      • For those canvassing for statewide initiatives or referendums, they must also be domiciled in the state.

  2. Hiring Restrictions:

    • Section 2: Amendments to Arkansas Code § 7-9-103(d) prohibit sponsors or agents from knowingly hiring non-residents or individuals not domiciled in Arkansas for statewide initiatives or referendums.
    • Violators of this provision face a fine of $2,500 for each paid canvasser hired in violation of the law.

  3. Signature Verification:

    • The bill mandates that if an official suspects forgery on a petition, they must report it to the appropriate authorities, either the Division of Arkansas State Police for statewide petitions or the local prosecuting attorney for local petitions.

  4. Severability Clause:

    • Section 3: The act includes a severability clause, ensuring that if any part of the law is found invalid, the remaining provisions will still be enforceable.

  5. Domicile Definition:

    • Section 4: The bill references a Supreme Court interpretation of domicile, emphasizing that it requires both actual residence and the intent to remain in a particular place.

Affected Parties

  • Paid Canvassers: Individuals seeking employment as paid canvassers for statewide initiatives or referendums must now meet stricter residency and domicile requirements.
  • Sponsors and Agents: Organizations or individuals hiring canvassers must ensure compliance with the new regulations to avoid penalties.
  • Election Officials: Those responsible for verifying petition signatures will have clearer guidelines for reporting suspected forgeries.

Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced: February 25, 2025
  • Passed: March 31, 2025
  • Enrolled and Transmitted to Governor: April 1, 2025
  • Act Notification: April 3, 2025

This bill reflects a legislative effort to strengthen the integrity of the electoral process in Arkansas by ensuring that those who engage in canvassing for significant initiatives are rooted in the community they serve.

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

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