Watch CBS News

Proposed Law Requires Signature Gatherers To Disclose Who's Paying Them

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- A bill that would require workers who gather petition signatures for California ballot initiatives to disclose whether they are being paid has moved one step closer to the governor's desk.

The Assembly voted 47-23 Monday to approve SB448, which requires the workers to wear a button on their chest reading "PAID SIGNATURE GATHERER" in large type. Opponents say the requirement limits free speech.

The bill by Democratic Sen. Mark DeSaulnier of Concord was amended to drop requirements that volunteer signature-gatherers also wear badges and that the badges say where the worker is registered to vote.

If the Senate approves the amended bill, it would go to Gov. Jerry Brown.

Earlier this month, Brown vetoed a bill that would have prohibited paying petition workers based on how many signatures they collect.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.