The proposed bill aims to enhance the integrity of Washington's initiative and referendum process by implementing new requirements and prohibitions regarding signature gathering. It mandates that any legal voter proposing an initiative or referendum must gather at least 1,000 signatures before filing the measure with the Secretary of State. This requirement is intended to ensure that only proposals with a minimal level of public support advance through the legislative process. Additionally, the bill prohibits compensation for signature gatherers based on the number of signatures collected, addressing concerns about fraud and manipulation in the signature-gathering process. Violations of this prohibition can lead to civil penalties of up to $10,000 and allow citizens to bring actions against violators.

The bill also amends existing laws to streamline the filing process and enhance the verification of signatures. It requires the Secretary of State to verify and canvass the signatures submitted before a proposed measure can be filed, ensuring compliance with the new signature requirement. The legislation reflects findings that per-signature compensation has historically led to fraudulent activities in signature gathering, and it draws on practices from other states that have successfully implemented similar restrictions. Overall, the bill seeks to protect the democratic process by ensuring that initiatives and referenda reflect genuine public support and are free from fraudulent practices.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 29A.72.010, 29A.72.020, 29A.72.030