The bill aims to enhance the integrity of the initiative and referendum process in Washington State by implementing stricter requirements for petition signature gatherers and the verification of signatures. It introduces a new section that mandates each petition signature gatherer to sign a declaration affirming the accuracy of the information provided on the petition, under penalty of false swearing. This requirement is intended to deter fraud and ensure that signatures are gathered ethically. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the need for petitioners to provide their residence address, which must match the address on their voter registration, to improve the accuracy of signature verification and reduce the risk of invalid signatures being counted.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing laws to clarify the language regarding the declaration that circulators must sign, replacing "penalty of law" with "penalty of false swearing" and specifying that signatures must be gathered without compensation or gratuity. It also establishes that signatures lacking a matching residence address will not be counted as valid, although minor discrepancies in addresses will not lead to invalidation. Overall, these changes are designed to bolster the accountability of signature gatherers and enhance the verification process, thereby protecting the public's right to participate in the legislative process through initiatives and referenda.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 29A.72.110, 29A.72.120, 29A.72.130
Substitute Bill: 29A.72.110, 29A.72.120, 29A.72.130