5182 AMS BENT COOP 033

SB 5182 - S AMD 291

   By    Senator Benton

   On page 2, line 30, after "must" strike the remainder of subsection (3) and insert "subject the petition to heightened scrutiny to verify and canvass the names and signatures on the petition. The valid signatures of all legal voters shall be counted, and no such signatures shall be rejected solely on the basis that a filed petition lacks the signature of a petition signature gatherer."

   On page 4, line 10, after "must" strike the remainder of subsection (3)and insert "subject the petition to heightened scrutiny to verify and canvass the names and signatures on the petition. The valid signatures of all legal voters shall be counted, and no such signatures shall be rejected solely on the basis that a filed petition lacks the signature of a petition signature gatherer."

   On page 5, line 28, after "must" strike the remainder of subsection (3)and insert "subject the petition to heightened scrutiny to verify and canvass the names and signatures on the petition. The valid signatures of all legal voters shall be counted, and no such signatures shall be rejected solely on the basis that a filed petition lacks the signature of a petition signature gatherer."

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   EFFECT: Eliminates the requirement that the Secretary of State must refuse to file petitions for initiatives to the legislature, initiatives to the people, and referenda if the signature gatherer fails to complete the declaration. Requires that where such petitions do not have the signature of a petition-gatherer that the Secretary of State shall subject the signatures on the respective petitions to heightened scrutiny, accepting the otherwise valid signatures of legal voters.