SB821 Summary

• Requires sponsors to file paid canvassers' names and addresses with the Secretary of State before they solicit signatures on statewide initiative or referendum petitions.

• Mandates that officials report suspected signature forgery to the Department of Arkansas State Police (for statewide petitions) or county prosecuting attorneys (for local petitions).

• Establishes detailed signature counting standards that disqualify petition parts with defects including unsigned canvassers, improper notarization, paid canvassers not pre-registered, or non-original signatures.

• Repeals the Attorney General's pre-circulation review process for initiative petitions and eliminates the legal sufficiency review procedure, shifting burden to sponsors to defend ballot titles in judicial proceedings.

• Declares an emergency effective upon Governor approval due to ongoing petition campaigns and the need to prevent fraudulent practices in ballot access procedures.