The bill amends RCW 9A.46.020 to establish specific penalties and protections against harassment directed at initiative and referendum signature gatherers. It defines harassment and outlines the conditions under which a person can be charged with a gross misdemeanor or a class C felony, particularly when the harassment involves threats against criminal justice participants or election officials. The bill also clarifies that threats do not constitute harassment if it is evident that the person making the threat lacks the ability to carry it out.

Additionally, the bill expands the definition of "election official" to include not only staff members of the secretary of state's office and county auditor's office but also individuals collecting signatures for initiative or referendum petitions. This inclusion aims to provide these signature gatherers with the same protections against harassment as other election officials. The legislation ensures that victims of harassment can pursue other legal remedies available to them, reinforcing the importance of safeguarding individuals involved in the electoral process.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 9A.46.020