South Dakota House Bill HB1114

South Dakota 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/24
• Refer: 1/18/24

Caption

Prohibit the use of paid petition circulators to collect signatures for a statewide ballot measure.

Impact

The impact of HB 1114 on state laws could be considerable, as it seeks to centralize the regulatory framework governing how signatures for ballot measures are collected. By banning paid circulators, the bill may deter larger organizations from using paid staff to gather support for initiatives, possibly resulting in fewer ballot measures being presented to the electorate. This could ultimately affect the democratic process and the ability of citizens to propose new laws or amend existing ones, which traditionally relies on the mobilization of volunteer efforts to gather sufficient signatures.

Summary

House Bill 1114 is a legislative proposal aimed at restricting the collection of signatures for statewide ballot measures by prohibiting the use of paid petition circulators. The bill amends existing statutes to clarify the roles and definitions of petition circulators, distinguishing between paid and volunteer circulators, and it mandates that compensation to circulators is not permitted. This legislation reflects a significant shift in how ballot measures could be organized and supported, particularly through the elimination of financial incentives for circulators, which proponents argue could lead to more authentic grassroots movements without the influence of funding.

Contention

Notable points of contention related to HB 1114 include concerns regarding voter access and participation. Critics argue that the bill may disproportionately disadvantage grassroots campaigns that rely on paid circulators due to financial constraints. Opponents might suggest that the removal of paid circulators could hinder the effectiveness of such initiatives and potentially reduce voter engagement. Conversely, supporters of the bill maintain that this measure can enhance the integrity of the petitioning process, ensuring that campaigns are driven primarily by volunteers and community interest rather than financial motivations.