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Committee advances S 1411 requiring paid canvassers to disclose funders and status
Summary
S 1411, which would require paid in-person canvassers to identify themselves and disclose their funding source, was advanced to the Senate floor by the State Affairs Committee; two senators recorded nay votes on the voice vote.
The Senate State Affairs Committee voted March 23 to send S 1411 to the Senate floor with a do pass recommendation. The bill would require people engaged in paid, in-person canvassing to disclose that they are paid and identify their funding source; the committee clarified the measure distinguishes paid workers from volunteers and does not cover incidental candidate-paid items like meals.
Chairman Guthrie framed the bill as a transparency measure distinguishing paid canvassers from volunteer activity. Senator Den Hartog asked whether paid workers funded by candidates would have to be disclosed and Guthrie confirmed the campaign would need to report such payments; committee discussion noted the requirement is meant to increase transparency for voters about who is being paid to solicit signatures or engage in in-person canvassing.
Senator Ruchti moved to send S 1411 to the floor with a do pass recommendation and Senator Anthon seconded. The motion carried by voice vote; Senators Shippy and Toews are recorded in the minutes as voting nay on the motion. The bill advances to the Senate floor for further consideration, debate and possible amendment.
Committee minutes do not record formal testimony opposing the bill; the minutes note a short discussion of scope and definitions during the presentation.
