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Committee debates narrower language but advances bill redefining "paid canvasser" for local petitions
Summary
Senators debated whether a revised definition of "paid canvasser"—which now uses the phrase "receives anything of value"—is too broad and could criminalize small items such as food or water; sponsors said the change is intended to provide courts with interpretive guidance and avoid overly prescriptive lists.
A Senate committee advanced an amendment to House Bill 17‑14 that replaces a previously itemized list with broader language defining "paid canvasser" as a person who "receives anything of value, in exchange for or as a reward for soliciting or obtaining a signature on a petition."
Senator Kim Hammer, presenting the amended bill, said the language "states that receives anything of value ... This is just bringing a definition of what is a paid canvasser." Committee members raised concerns that the new language could cover nominal items — "a bottle of water or a piece of pizza," as one senator described — and make normal volunteer activity vulnerable to prosecution.
Senator Tucker said he preferred a narrower list and worried the broader definition would include low‑level items. Senator Dodson described the amendment as "tremendously better" than the prior draft but acknowledged it may not substantively change the law because it retains the phrase "anything of value." Senator Dodson and others discussed whether courts would ultimately distinguish de minimis items from true payments or rewards.
The sponsor said the amended language was intentionally broad to let judicial interpretation distinguish trivial items from improper rewards, and to avoid an endless enumerated list that could be incomplete. Senator Dodson said he would work further outside the meeting to find a path forward.
The committee moved the bill along after discussion; the transcript records committee activity but indicates the sponsor planned additional work with members before finalizing language for later consideration.
