The proposed bill aims to enhance the protection of elected officials, candidates, executive state officers, election officials, and criminal justice participants from threats and incidents of political violence. It introduces provisions for the nondisclosure of their primary residential addresses and expands access to personal security measures. Key amendments classify harassment against these individuals as a class C felony under specific circumstances, such as when threats are made while they are performing their official duties. The bill also establishes eligibility for these individuals and their households to participate in an address confidentiality program, safeguarding their residential information. Additionally, it mandates the Washington State Patrol to provide personal security for legislators at public events when local law enforcement is unable to do so and allows for security assessments of legislators' residences.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing laws regarding the confidentiality of residential addresses, establishing that these addresses are confidential and not subject to public disclosure unless specific conditions are met, such as obtaining express written consent from the individual or responding to a public records request from the media. It outlines procedures for individuals to request nondisclosure of their residential addresses and mandates timely responses from the auditor. The legislation also introduces new guidelines for the disposal of surplus campaign funds, emphasizing that such funds cannot be used for personal security measures unless directly related to the candidate's status. Overall, the bill seeks to balance transparency in public records with the need for privacy and security for certain individuals while providing clear regulations for managing campaign finances.

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