LITTLE ROCK (AP) -- The Arkansas attorney general's office has approved the ballot title for a measure that would require government agencies to verify all those seeking public benefits in the state are legal U.S. residents.
The decision Wednesday by Attorney General Dustin McDaniel allows supporters of Secure Arkansas' ballot measure to begin collecting the 61,974 signatures necessary to put it before voters in November.
Jeannie Burlsworth, a chairwoman for Secure Arkansas, has said the group plans to collect many of the signatures at polling places during the state's May 20 primary.
If approved by voters, the proposal would require those older than 13 seeking public benefits from a state agency to sign an oath saying they live legally in the country. The group says those who falsely fill out an affidavit could face perjury charges.
Verification would not be required for emergency medical treatment, prenatal care or public school enrollment.
