Bill Description: House Bill 501 would require paid signature gatherers for an initiative or referendum to be a qualified elector and wear a badge disclosing who pays the person gathering signatures. 

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Does it in any way restrict public access to information related to government activity or otherwise compromise government transparency, accountability, or election integrity? Conversely, does it increase public access to information related to government activity or increase government transparency, accountability, or election integrity?

House Bill 501 would amend Section 34-1807, Idaho Code, to require paid signature gatherers for an initiative or referendum to be a “qualified elector” of the state of Idaho, rather than just an adult resident, as is currently the case. 

This change requires that a signature gatherer be registered to vote, an option unavailable to some individuals, including those with certain prior criminal convictions. This change will limit who may work as a paid signature gatherer in Idaho.

The bill would also require a person who is paid to gather signatures for an initiative or referendum to wear a badge disclosing the source of the payment. Idaho law already requires a paid signature gatherer to wear a badge containing the words "paid petition circulator".

The bill's statement of purpose says these changes would increase the transparency of the petition process.

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