SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6754

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.

Background: Article II, Section 1 of the Washington State Constitution grants legislative powers to the people to enact bills and laws through the initiative process, and to approve or reject part of or all of any bill, act, or law passed by the Legislature through the referendum process. Any legal voter may file with the Secretary of State (Secretary) an initiative to the people, an initiative to the Legislature, or a referendum.

The number of valid signatures necessary for an initiative to the people to qualify for the ballot is 8 percent of the votes cast for governor at the last gubernatorial election, and the signed petitions must be filed with the Secretary in early July, at least four months prior to the general election. The number of valid signatures necessary for an initiative to the Legislature is also 8 percent, and the signed petitions must be filed at least ten days before the start of the regular session. The number of signatures required for a referendum is 4 percent, and the petitions must be filed within 90 days of the end of session.

Upon submittal of an initiative or referendum, the Secretary must verify and canvass the names of the legal voters on the petition.

Summary of Bill: Once the verification and canvass of signatures is complete, the names and addresses of persons who signed the petition are public records, and may be made available for public inspection and copying.

Signature petitions must contain the following warning: "Signature petitions are public documents. By signing this document, your name, address, and signature may be released as part of a public records request. "