Protecting the integrity of the state initiative and referendum process by requiring a demonstration of support before issuance of a ballot measure title and authorizing citizen actions for certain signature gatherer compensation violations.

 S-4230.1

SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL 5973

State of Washington

69th Legislature

2026 Regular Session

By Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections (originally sponsored by Senators Valdez, Alvarado, Chapman, Conway, Frame, Kauffman, Nobles, Pedersen, Stanford, Trudeau, and C. Wilson)

READ FIRST TIME 01/26/26.

AN ACT Relating to protecting the integrity of the state initiative and referendum process by requiring a demonstration of support before issuance of a ballot measure title and authorizing citizen actions for certain signature gatherer compensation violations; amending RCW 29A.72.010 , 29A.72.020 , and 29A.72.030 ; adding new sections to chapter 29A.72 RCW; and prescribing penalties.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 29A.72 RCW to read as follows:

(1) The legislature recognizes that the people have reserved for themselves the power to enact or reject legislation through the initiative and referendum process, as provided in Article II, section 1 of the state Constitution. The legislature determines that this constitutional right must be guarded against fraud and mistake and that reasonable procedural safeguards are necessary to promote the integrity and proper functioning of the initiative and referendum process.