HB 1105 - DIGEST

Finds that paying workers who gather signatures for initiatives and referendum petitions on the basis of the number of signatures the worker secures increases the possibility of fraud in the signature gathering process. This practice may encourage the signature gatherer to misrepresent the ballot measure, to apply undue pressure on a person to sign a petition that the person is not qualified to sign, to encourage signing even if the person has previously signed, or to invite forgery.

Provides that a person who solicits or collects signatures on a statewide initiative or referendum petition must be a resident of Washington and must be at least eighteen years of age.

Provides that a person who pays another for soliciting or collecting signatures on an initiative or referendum petition must pay wages at an hourly rate or salary equal to or more than the minimum wage established under RCW 49.46.020. The department of labor and industries must enforce this provision in a manner consistent with Title 49 RCW.