Bill > SB5850

This bill establishes stronger protections for citizens participating in the initiative and referendum process by creating new legal penalties for interfering with these democratic activities. The bill expands existing law to criminalize various forms of interference, including offering money to influence petition signing, harassing or threatening petition signers or collectors, publicly protesting within 25 feet of signature collection, and accepting out-of-state funding for signature gathering without proper reporting. The bill creates two levels of criminal penalties: a gross misdemeanor for first-time offenders (which can include fines and potential jail time) and a class C felony for repeat offenders. Additionally, the bill introduces a new criminal offense for intentionally destroying, altering, or preventing the delivery of signed initiative or referendum petitions, which is also classified as a class C felony. These provisions aim to protect the integrity of direct democratic processes by deterring potential misconduct and ensuring that citizens can participate in initiatives and referendums without fear of intimidation or interference.

Government Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5850&Year=2025&Initiative=false