Bill > SB5047

This bill adds a new section to the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) that creates protections for citizens participating in the initiative and referendum process by establishing a 25-foot buffer zone around signature collection activities. Specifically, the bill prohibits anyone from publicly protesting a person who is collecting signatures for an initiative or referendum petition, or a person signing or attempting to sign such a petition, within 25 feet of those activities. If someone violates this provision, they would be in violation of existing election law (RCW 29A.84.250(4)). The initiative and referendum process allows citizens to propose new laws or challenge existing laws through a petition process, and this bill aims to prevent potential harassment or intimidation of people engaging in this democratic participation by creating a small physical space where signature collection can occur without direct protest.

Government Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5047&Year=2025&Initiative=false