The bill amends various sections of Washington state law regarding the powers of initiative and referendum for noncharter code cities and charter cities. It establishes that noncharter code cities with populations of less than 30,000 may choose to exercise these powers, while those with populations of 30,000 or more are required to adopt the initiative and referendum process within one year of reaching that population threshold. The bill also specifies that the number of registered voters needed to sign a petition for initiative or referendum is increased to 25 percent of the votes cast for the citywide race receiving the greatest number of votes in the last general election. Additionally, it outlines the procedures for how ordinances initiated by petition are handled, including the requirement for the legislative authority to either pass the ordinance, modify it, or submit it to a vote.

Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for charter cities, mandating that any charter city with a population of 30,000 or more that does not currently provide for direct legislation through initiative and referendum must submit a ballot proposition to amend their charter accordingly. The amendments also clarify the process for how ordinances are enacted or rejected based on voter approval, including stipulations on how long ordinances passed by initiative can be amended or repealed. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the democratic process by ensuring that more cities provide mechanisms for direct voter participation in local governance.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 35A.11.080, 35.17.240, 35.17.230, 35A.11.100, 35.17.270, 35.21.005, 35.17.290, 35.17.330, 35.17.340, 35.17.350, 35.22.200