Revised          HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                      Olympia, Washington

Bill Analysis      Bill No. HB 1537

Penalties/signature gatherers/not registered voters       Public Hrg: 2/19/97 

Brief Title

Reps. Dickerson/Reams/Lantz                          Staff Contact: Bill Lynch

Sponsor                                    Comm. on Govt. Admin.

                                           Phone: 786-7092

BACKGROUND:

There are no requirements for a signature gatherer on an initiative, referendum, or recall petition to be a registered Washington State voter.  Oregon requires such signature gatherers to be registered voters, and people who gather signatures in violation of this requirement are subject to civil penalties.

SUMMARY:

Signature gatherers on initiative, referendum, or recall petitions must be registered voters in Washington State.

A person who obtains, or attempts to obtain, signatures on an initiative, referendum, or recall petition without being a registered Washington State voter is subject to a civil penalty up to $500 per each violation.  A person who hires someone who is not a registered Washington state voter to obtain, or attempt to obtain, signatures on an initiative, referendum, or recall petition is subject to a civil penalty up to $1,000 per violation.

FISCAL NOTE:  Not Requested.

EFFECTIVE DATE: The bill declares an emergency and takes effect immediately.