Restrictions on signature gatherers considered

Restrictions on signature gatherers considered

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Some Missouri senators are proposing restrictions on collecting signatures for initiative petitions. The bills come as more groups are trying to go around the Legislature to put measures directly on the ballot. So far, 36 petitions have been filed with the secretary of state and 10 have been approved to start seeking signatures. Senate proposals include barring gatherers from getting paid for each signature and allowing only Missouri residents to be signature gatherers. Some senators cite concerns about fraud. Attorney Chuck Hatfield has been involved with several petitions. He says the Legislature needs to be careful not to impose restrictions that infringe on the people's constitutional rights.