Bill would require paid signature gatherers to disclose status and state of residence; critics warn of safety, free-speech concerns

Representative Braxton Mitchell presented House Bill 201, which would require paid petition gatherers to disclose their compensated status when soliciting signatures and to wear a badge that clearly indicates they are paid and lists the state where they legally reside. "This law would ensure that voters are fully informed about the nature of the signature gathering process," Mitchell said, framing the bill as a transparency measure.

Austin James, appearing for the Secretary of State’s Office, urged a due pass. He described numerous complaints during the 2024 petition cycle about deceptive or aggressive gatherer behavior and said disclosure would help investigators and law enforcement identify individuals and firms when complaints arise. "Without that name, we're unable to let the signature gatherer folks know or a law enforcement official know of that type of behavior," James said.

Amelia Gilsdorf of the Opportunity Solutions Project echoed the sponsor’s transparency rationale.

SK Rossi testified in opposition as an individual. Rossi noted the law already requires disclosure of paid gatherers to the Secretary of State and argued that forcing badges with names and state residency could create safety risks, including harassment and doxxing of gatherers; Rossi also raised compelled-speech concerns. "Asking them to wear a badge with their residency and their name on it will decrease their safety and is actually unnecessary to the process," Rossi said.

Committee members asked who would enforce the requirement; James said enforcement would typically flow to local law enforcement or to the Commissioner of Political Practices, and noted that registrations of paid gatherers sometimes occur after activity, creating enforcement challenges.

The committee closed the hearing on HB201 after sponsor closing remarks emphasizing transparency and voter trust.