Bill > HB2591

This bill, titled "Requiring a demonstration of support before a legislative bill is filed," aims to protect the integrity of the legislative process by introducing new requirements for introducing legislation. Specifically, any legislator wishing to file a bill, resolution, or memorial must submit a copy of the proposed legislation, an affidavit confirming their status as a legislator, and a petition with at least 1,000 signatures from registered voters who support the proposal, including their names and registration details. The Secretary of State will then verify these signatures before the legislation can be formally introduced to the office of the code reviser, which is responsible for processing proposed laws. The bill also defines terms like "advocacy entity" (a person or group lobbying for a specific legislative outcome) and clarifies that while lobbying is permitted, engaging in "trading in special influence" – offering or receiving benefits to secure a particular legislative result – remains illegal and can be subject to civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation, with citizens empowered to bring legal action on behalf of the state. This measure is intended to prevent the filing of bills with minimal public support, reduce confusion caused by duplicative legislation, and alleviate the burden on state offices, drawing parallels to similar restrictions in other states.

Government Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2591&Year=2025&Initiative=false