Senate bill targets petition signatures

A Senate bill that would make it easier to verify signatures on initiative petitions unanimously passed out of the House Government Operations Standing Committee on Wednesday.

Sen. Beverly Evans, R-Altamont, sponsor of SB11, said it gives petition signers the option of providing their birth date and address along with their names on a petition.

If a name doesn't exactly match voter registration information, the added information "allows clerks more flexibility to go back and verify signatures," Evans said.

Rep. John Mathis, R-Naples, expressed concern about identity theft, saying it should be made clear to petition signers that the added information is optional.

Evans said she would check with the drafting attorney to ensure that it was clear that the added information is optional and, if needed, draft an amendment clarifying that the information is optional before the bill moves to the floor.