Bill Description: Senate Bill 1377 would require individuals who are paid to gather signatures for initiatives and referenda to identify themselves as such when 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?

Senate Bill 1377 would amend Section 34-1807, Idaho Code, to require paid signature gatherers for initiatives and referenda to identify themselves as such when gathering signatures.

Specifically, the law would say that "any person who accepts payment to circulate a petition for an initiative or referendum shall, prior to accepting a signature, verbally notify any potential signatory that such person is accepting payment to gather signatures and provide the name of the person or entity providing payment to such person; and cause to be printed on each page of any petition for an initiative or referendum a prominent and legible declaration that such person is receiving payment in exchange for circulating the petition and the name of the person providing payment to such person."

Additionally, the law would require that whenever a paid signature gatherer is circulating a petition for an initiative or referendum, he or she "shall wear a badge that is clearly visible to any potential signatory and that contains the words "paid petition circulator" on it."

Any signatures obtained by a person who violates this requirement would be voided. 

These disclosure provisions will provide increased transparency for Idaho voters. In some cases, paid signature gatherers present themselves as concerned activists in order to garner sympathy and encourage people to sign their petitions. 

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