UT HB0242

Individuals gathering signature removal statements for initiative or referendum petitions must be at least 18 years old, and beginning May 6, 2026, paid gatherers must display a laminated badge showing their ID number, petition title, "Paid Signature Removal Statement Gatherer," and the name of who is paying them.

Voters are prohibited from submitting signature removal statements by mail using prepaid postage, with an exception for statements postmarked on or before the bill's effective date.

Payment for gathering signature removal statements must be based on an hourly rate, and it is a class A misdemeanor to pay someone (or offer money, prepaid postage, or any direct financial benefit) to remove their signature from a petition.

County clerks may not refuse to certify a petition signature solely because the date written contains a one-calendar-year error, provided the adjusted date falls within the valid signature-gathering period.

Making misrepresentations likely to deceive, or falsely claiming affiliation with a government entity while gathering petition signatures or removal statements, is now a criminal offense under the expanded misconduct provisions.