HB1574

House Bill 1574 amends Arkansas law to restrict the eligibility of paid canvassers for ballot initiatives and referendums. The bill mandates that all paid canvassers must be residents of Arkansas and, specifically for statewide petitions, must be domiciled within the state. It prohibits sponsors or their agents from knowingly hiring canvassers who do not meet these residency and domicile requirements. Violations of these hiring practices are subject to a fine of $2,500 per ineligible canvasser hired. Additionally, the bill directs officials to report suspected petition forgeries to the Arkansas State Police or the appropriate county prosecuting attorney. It also includes a severability clause to ensure the law remains effective if any portion is found invalid.