The proposed bill aims to enhance the protection and confidentiality of elected officials, candidates, executive state officers, election officials, and criminal justice participants in response to rising concerns about political violence. Key provisions include allowing these individuals to keep their primary residential addresses confidential and access personal security measures. The bill amends existing laws, such as RCW 9A.46.020, to classify harassment against these officials as a class C felony under certain circumstances, particularly when it occurs during the performance of their official duties. It also establishes eligibility for an address confidentiality program for those targeted by threats or harassment and mandates security assessments for legislators' residences upon request.

Additionally, the bill introduces new regulations regarding the use of campaign and public funds for personal security measures, explicitly prohibiting reimbursements for payments made to family members or entities in which legislators have a personal interest. It creates a legislative member security account for necessary personal security measures and ensures that expenditures reflect the usual and normal charges for such services. The bill also enhances confidentiality protections by exempting certain personal information, including residential addresses and security-related recordings, from public disclosure. Overall, the legislation seeks to balance the need for transparency in public records with the privacy and safety of public officials.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 9A.46.020, 40.24.030, 40.16.030, 44.04.021, 29B.05.030, 29B.25.090, 29B.40.180, 29A.24.031, 65.04.140, 84.40.020, 84.40.160, 40.14.030, 4.24.680, 29B.40.090, 29B.40.130