SEN. LINDA CHESTERFIELD: Opposed anti-canvassing legtislation.

The Senate failed again today to pass Sen. Mark Johnson’s SB 463 to cripple paid petition canvassing for ballot initiatives.

The vote was 15-8, with 12 not voting.

Advertisement

Sen. Mat Pitsch, who’s carried both an earlier bill and a proposed constitutional amendment to hamper popular petition drives, said his group had hoped to put more restrictions on paid canvassing in their earlier bill but had been told they’d be unconstitutional. He also said this bill, which amends a similar portion of the statutes, could affect the earlier bill sent to the governor.

Johnson said he believed his bill was constitutional and noted that in the 8th Circuit the appellate court had approved a proposal in his bill to outlaw per-signature payments to canvassers.

Advertisement

Sen. Linda Chesterfield said the measure was an effort to stymie the popular will and made education requirements for canvassers that exceed those for elected public officials.

Arkansas Times: Your voice in the fight

Are you tired of watered-down news and biased reporting? The Arkansas Times has been fighting for truth and justice for 50 years. As an alternative newspaper in Little Rock, we are tough, determined, and unafraid to take on powerful forces. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, we are making a difference. But we can't do it without you. Join the 3,400 paid subscribers who support our great journalism and help us hire more writers. Sign up for a subscription today or make a donation of as little as $1 and help keep the Arkansas Times feisty for years to come.

Previous article Little Rock school bill officially dead Next article Another day of the legislature