HB 1626 - DIGEST

(SEE ALSO PROPOSED 1ST SUB)

     Requires that a person who provides compensation, pay, or other consideration to another person to circulate, solicit, or procure signatures on an initiative or referendum petition shall keep records of the person who procured the signatures for consideration on each separate petition.  Space must be provided on each petition to number the petition to assist in tracking the signature gatherers.  These records must be kept current and must be submitted to the secretary of state when the petitions are filed.

     Declares that every person is guilty of a gross misdemeanor who circulates, solicits, or procures, or attempts to procure, signatures upon an initiative or referendum petition that fails to meet the requirements of RCW 29.79.080, 29.79.090, 29.79.100, or 29.79.110, including, where applicable, the requirements that:  (1) The statement be included indicating that signature gatherers are being paid or otherwise receiving consideration to gather signatures; and

     (2) the name of the group, organization, or person paying for signature gathering be inserted.