The bill seeks to enhance protections against voter suppression and vote dilution under the Washington Voting Rights Act by amending various sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). It introduces new definitions for terms such as "election policy or practice," "electoral system," and "polarized voting," which will guide the application of the law. The bill prohibits political subdivisions from enacting election policies that disproportionately burden protected classes and requires them to notify residents of proposed changes to electoral systems, ensuring transparency and community engagement. Additionally, it mandates that political subdivisions work in good faith with individuals or organizations that report potential violations and seek court acknowledgment of remedies that comply with the updated RCW.

Significant amendments include provisions for the recovery of expert witness fees, allowing prevailing plaintiffs to be awarded reasonable costs even if they do not achieve a favorable judgment, as long as they can demonstrate a successful alteration in the behavior of a political subdivision. The bill also clarifies that prevailing defendants may recover fees under existing law and establishes exemptions for smaller cities and towns or low-enrollment school districts. Furthermore, it repeals a section related to equal opportunity in elections and includes a provision that nullifies the act if specific funding is not provided by a designated date. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen the legal framework for fair electoral practices and protect the voting rights of marginalized groups in Washington.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 29A.92.005, 29A.92.010, 29A.92.030, 29A.92.040, 29A.92.050, 29A.76.010, 29A.92.070, 29A.92.080, 29A.92.090, 29A.92.100, 29A.92.110, 29A.92.130, 29A.92.020
Substitute Bill: 29A.92.005, 29A.92.010, 29A.92.030, 29A.92.040, 29A.92.050, 29A.76.010, 29A.92.070, 29A.92.080, 29A.92.090, 29A.92.100, 29A.92.110, 29A.92.115, 29A.92.120, 4.84.185, 29A.92.020
Second substitute: 29A.92.005, 29A.92.010, 29A.92.030, 29A.92.040, 29A.92.050, 29A.76.010, 29A.92.070, 29A.92.080, 29A.92.090, 29A.92.100, 29A.92.110, 29A.92.115, 29A.92.120, 4.84.185, 29A.92.020
Engrossed second substitute: 29A.92.005, 29A.92.010, 29A.92.030, 29A.92.040, 29A.92.050, 29A.76.010, 29A.92.070, 29A.92.080, 29A.92.090, 29A.92.100, 29A.92.110, 29A.92.115, 29A.92.120, 4.84.185, 29A.92.020
Bill as passed Legislature: 29A.92.005, 29A.92.010, 29A.92.030, 29A.92.040, 29A.92.050, 29A.76.010, 29A.92.070, 29A.92.080, 29A.92.090, 29A.92.100, 29A.92.110, 29A.92.115, 29A.92.120, 4.84.185, 29A.92.020
Session law: 29A.92.005, 29A.92.010, 29A.92.030, 29A.92.040, 29A.92.050, 29A.76.010, 29A.92.070, 29A.92.080, 29A.92.090, 29A.92.100, 29A.92.110, 29A.92.115, 29A.92.120, 4.84.185, 29A.92.020