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Bill to allow pay-per-signature circulators draws mixed testimony at hearing
Summary
Representative Jared Hendricks told the committee HB1245 would remove a ban on paying petition circulators by signature, arguing it would incentivize quality and protect First Amendment petition rights. A national petition manager warned pay-per-signature can incentivize fraud; the committee took no vote.
Representative Jared Hendricks introduced House Bill 1245, which would lift the existing prohibition on paying petition circulators on a per-signature basis for initiatives and referenda. Hendricks argued the change would reward quality work, reduce sloppy signature gathering and protect the initiative power in Article 3 of the constitution by avoiding burdensome restrictions that chill the people’s right to initiate measures.
Hendricks said paying by signature aligns incentives—experienced circulators would be rewarded for producing valid signatures and campaigns would create internal quality checks. “Removing the ban rewards exceptional work,” Hendricks said, noting several states with different approaches to compensating circulators.
David Owen, a signature-collection manager with national experience, testified in opposition, saying pay-per-signature creates financial incentives for fraud rings and leaves campaigns exposed to larger losses if fabricated signatures surface. Owen said firms in pay-hour states typically pay $20–$25 an hour, while professional per-signature circulators may earn more but are subject to careful vetting by firms that operate nationally. He also described a sample comparison showing candidate-access petitions often cost less per signature than initiative campaigns given differences in scale and logistics.
Committee members asked about the incidence of fraud and whether paying per signature reduces sloppy work; several members nonetheless raised concerns about incentives and enforcement. The hearing closed with no committee vote.
