Petition circulators hitting the streets and storefronts in search of voter support would have to wear identifying badges if they are being paid to gather signatures under legislation sent Thursday to Gov. Jerry Brown.
Senate Bill 448, by Democratic Sen. Mark DeSaulnier, would require that paid solicitors working to qualify initiatives, recalls or referendums for the ballot wear badges stating in "no smaller than 30-point font print" that they are a paid signature gatherer.
The state Senate approved amendments to the measure, which had previously passed both houses, on a 24-14 vote.
The lower house had stripped a provision that would have also required identification badges for those working as a "volunteer signature gatherer."
Supporters say voters deserve the disclosure, pointing out that many professional circulators are paid on a per-signature basis to pitch the proposals.
Opponents counter that the move would hurt the state's direct democracy system by making it harder for individuals to collect signatures.
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