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Committee adopts substitute for HB 32 to standardize training and modernize signature verification
Summary
Representative Cutler’s first substitute to HB 32 adds mandatory online training for circulators, text/email verification for signers, a condensed petition packet with QR links, and local retention of packets; the committee adopted the substitute and favorably recommended the bill unanimously.
Representative Paul Cutler presented a first substitute to House Bill 32 that standardizes petition-circulation rules and adds technical updates to signature verification.
Cutler said the substitute does five main things: make an online training course mandatory for circulators, add proactive text and email notifications to inform signers of verification status, create an optional condensed packet for initiatives (including a QR code linking to the full text), revise circulator attestations and the circulator sheet, and clarify packet handling and retention so county clerks retain packets locally rather than shipping every packet to the state. Cutler said the new approach prevents bad actors from spoiling entire packets and allows the clerk to count valid signatures even if some lines are invalid.
Kenna Stringham of the Lieutenant Governor’s Elections Office thanked the sponsor and said the office helped shape the substitute, supported standardizing circulator training, and expects the new 2027 system (Total Vote/Vista 2) to provide notification capability. County clerks’ representatives said they support the original bill and do not see substantive problems with the substitute. Public commenters were split: one commenter urged opposition to centralization of verification processes, while others praised the condensed packet and training for reducing confusion and improving reliability.
Representative Stoddard moved to adopt the first substitute. The committee adopted the first substitute by voice vote and then unanimously favorably recommended the first-substitute HB 32 to the full House.
If enacted, the substitute would require training for circulators (the course already exists and has been used), introduce a notification system for signers, allow a condensed packet with more signatures per page (sponsors cited examples increasing from two signatures per page to as many as seven), and set local retention of packet materials for 22 months.
