Free conference committee approves HB 201 amendment requiring paid petition circulators to disclose name, residence and status

A Montana free conference committee voted to adopt an amendment to House Bill 201 requiring paid petition signature gatherers to verbally disclose their first name, the state in which they legally reside, and that they are a paid signature gatherer, and to wear a badge showing that information including a last initial. The committee then approved HB 201 as amended by a 4-2 roll-call vote.

The committee took executive action after staff and proponents described the change as a transparency measure. K. Braxton, identified in the hearing as a staff presenter, explained the amendment’s effect: “a paid signature gatherer shall verbally disclose the first name, the state in which they legally reside in, and their status as a paid signature gatherer to anyone they approach about signing a petition,” and must also “wear a badge stating this information.” Braxton said the amendment adds the last initial at the request of the Secretary of State’s office.

The amendment drew support from the Secretary of State’s office and several advocacy groups. Director James of the Secretary of State’s office said the sponsor incorporated feedback from opponents and urged…