The proposed 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. Key provisions include a mandate that each petition signature gatherer must sign a declaration affirming the accuracy of the signatures collected and that no compensation was offered for signing. This declaration must be included on each petition sheet, aligning Washington's practices with those of other states. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of verifying that the petitioner's residence address matches the address on their voter registration to prevent fraud and ensure that only qualified voters' signatures are counted.

The bill also amends existing laws to clarify the penalties for forgery and misconduct related to petition signatures, categorizing such actions as a class C felony or gross misdemeanor. It specifies that signatures lacking a residence address or with discrepancies will not be counted as valid, although minor discrepancies will not invalidate a signature. Overall, the legislation seeks to bolster the accountability of signature gatherers and improve the accuracy of the signature verification process, thereby protecting the democratic rights of Washington's citizens.

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