The bill amends RCW 29A.72.240 to establish a process for citizens to challenge the determination of the secretary of state regarding the sufficiency of signatures on initiative or referendum petitions. It allows any citizen dissatisfied with the secretary's decision to apply to the superior court of Thurston County within five days for a citation requiring the secretary to submit the petition for examination. The court proceedings will take precedence over other cases and must be expedited. Additionally, the superior court's decision can be reviewed by the supreme court within five days, which will either issue a writ of mandate or dismiss the proceedings.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a requirement for the secretary of state to notify the chair and ranking member of the appropriate legislative committees within five days of any challenge to the sufficiency of signatures for an initiative. This aims to ensure that legislators are promptly informed of any challenges that may affect the legislative process regarding initiatives.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 29A.72.240