AR SB551

Requires petition signers to read or have read aloud the ballot title in the canvasser's presence before signing, and requires canvassers to warn potential signers that petition fraud is a criminal offense

Mandates canvassers verify each signer's identity by viewing photo identification before obtaining signatures; failure to comply constitutes a false statement on the petition verification form

Prohibits county clerks from counting signatures collected by canvassers found by preponderance of evidence to have violated laws regarding canvassing, perjury, forgery, or fraudulent practices during the current election cycle

Requires canvassers to file a true affidavit with the county clerk certifying compliance with Arkansas Constitution and laws regarding petition signature procurement before signatures can be counted

Creates new Class A misdemeanor offenses for canvassers who knowingly accept signatures without the ballot title being read or who fail to disclose that petition fraud is criminal