Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
State Government & Tribal Affairs Committee |
HB 2397
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Imposing a distance requirement for gathering signatures on an initiative measure or referendum.
Sponsors: Representatives Moeller, Kretz, Dickerson, Schmick, Blake, Kristiansen, Driscoll, Armstrong, Liias, Dunshee, Hudgins, Eddy, Morris, Chase, Simpson, Kenney, Warnick, Ormsby and Hope.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/28/10
Staff: Tracey O'Brien (786-7196).
Background:
The Legislature adopted processes for initiative and referendum in 1912. The law as enacted allows:
Initiatives to the People, where if petitions are certified to have a sufficient number of signatures by registered voters, the issue is submitted for a vote of the people at the next state general election;
Initiatives to the Legislature, where if petitions are certified to have a sufficient number of signatures by registered voters, the issue is submitted to the Legislature at its next regular session;
Referendum Measures, where laws recently passed by the Legislature are placed on the ballot after certification of petitions signed by registered voters; and
Referendum Bills, where voters adopt laws proposed by the Legislature.
Under the state Constitution, initiative petitions require signatures from 8 percent of the total number of votes cast for the Office of Governor at the last regular gubernatorial election; referendum petitions require 4 percent.
Summary of Bill:
Any person who is gathering signatures for an initiative or referendum petition is prohibited from doing so within presumptively reasonable minimum 25 feet from entrances, exits and windows that serve stand alone stores or retail stores that are located within commercial retail complexes.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.