Bill > SB5048

This bill amends the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 29A.72.240 to modify the process for challenging initiative petition signatures and add a new notification requirement. Specifically, the bill maintains the existing legal procedure that allows citizens who are dissatisfied with the secretary of state's determination about initiative or referendum petition signatures to apply to the Thurston County Superior Court for review within five days. The court can then either mandate certification of the petition or issue an injunction preventing certification. Additionally, the supreme court can review the superior court's decision within five days. The new provision requires the secretary of state to notify the chair and ranking member of the appropriate legislative committees within five days of any challenge to the sufficiency of signatures for an initiative. This notification requirement is designed to keep legislators informed about potential challenges to ballot initiatives early in the process, enhancing transparency in the state's electoral procedures.

Government Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5048&Year=2025&Initiative=false