SCS/SB 389 - This act modifies provisions relating to initiative petitions. FONT OF FILED PETITIONS The act requires the font on each page of an initiative petition to be in 14-point Times New Roman. This provision is substantially similar to provisions in SCS/HB 353 (2017) and HCS/HB 1043 (2017). FILING FEE The act requires the Secretary of State to collect a fee of $500 for every initiative petition filed. In the event that the petition qualifies for the ballot, the fee shall be refunded, otherwise the fee shall revert to the general revenue. This provision is substantially similar to a provision in HCS/HB 1043 (2017). TIME PERIOD FOR FILING The act provides a time period for when initiative petitions may be filed. All initiative petitions must be filed between January 31 following each general election and nine months before the election at which the proposed measure is to appear on the ballot. This provision is identical to a provision in HCS/HB 1043 (2017). PETITION CIRCULATOR REQUIREMENTS Under current law, in order to be a petition circulator a person must be at least 18 years of age and also be registered to circulate petitions with the Secretary of State. Under this act, a circulator would additionally be required to reside and be registered to vote in Missouri. Furthermore, every petition circulator shall be required to display an identification badge while circulating petitions. Badges will vary in detail depending upon whether the circulator is a volunteer or if they are compensated. This act makes it unlawful to compensate any petition circulator on a basis related to the number of signatures obtained. This provision is identical to HB 1055 (2017) and substantially similar to provisions in HCS/HB 1043 (2017). SCOTT SVAGERA