AR SB614

Requires paid canvassers to be U.S. citizens and Arkansas residents, and establishes criminal penalties including Class D felony charges for canvassers who knowingly allow false verification affidavits or witnesses who did not personally witness signatures.

Mandates sponsors obtain criminal history and criminal record searches on all paid canvassers from the Arkansas State Police at sponsor's cost within 30 days before canvasser begins collecting signatures, with willful violations constituting a Class A misdemeanor.

Defines "disqualifying offenses" for canvassers including felonies, election law violations, fraud, forgery, crimes of violence, sex offenses, drug violations, theft crimes, and other specified offenses.

Prohibits compensating canvassers based on the number of signatures obtained on statewide initiative or referendum petitions, with violations voiding signatures and constituting a Class A misdemeanor.

Declares an emergency effective date due to Supreme Court decision invalidating prior canvasser protections, making the act effective immediately upon gubernatorial approval or expiration of veto period.