SB463 Summary

• Establishes licensing and registration requirements for paid canvassers and canvassing organizations involved in petition circulation for initiatives and referenda

• Requires paid canvassers to pass two-part examinations (75% accuracy minimum), obtain state licenses, and register with county/city clerks; applicants must provide criminal background checks and proof of Arkansas residency

• Mandates sponsors reimburse the Secretary of State for petition verification costs and prohibits ballot certification for measures using paid canvassers unless verification costs are paid

• Creates criminal penalties (Class A misdemeanor for individual canvassers, Class D felony for sponsors/organizations) and civil penalties (up to $1,000 per violation) for violations including trespassing on private property without permission and compensating canvassers based on number of signatures obtained

• Prohibits paid canvasser compensation until signatures are verified, requires signature registries with identification verification documentation, and revokes licenses if more than 25% of a canvasser's signatures cannot be verified