WA People
BILL · 2025–26 SESSION · LATEST VERSION SSB 5973

SB 5973: Initiatives and referenda

Protecting the integrity of the state initiative and referendum process by requiring a demonstration of support before issuance of a ballot measure title and authorizing citizen actions for certain signature gatherer compensation violations.

Summary

  • Prohibits an individual from providing or receiving money or other consideration for signature gathering based on the number of signatures obtained on an initiative or referendum petition.
  • Requires that a minimum of 1000 signatures be submitted as part of the filing of a proposed initiative.

From the Senate Bill Report (SB 5973), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗

Did not pass Did not pass · stalled on the Senate floor
  1. IntroducedJan 12, 2026
  2. Out of committeeJan 26, 2026
  3. Passed Senatestopped here
  4. Passed House
  5. Governor
  6. Law
Prime sponsor
Javier Valdez (D-46)
Introduced
January 12, 2026 in the Senate
Last action
February 26, 2026
Companion bill
HB 2259
Budget
Has a fiscal note
Versions
SB 5973, SSB 5973

AN ACT Relating to protecting the integrity of the state initiative and referendum process by requiring a demonstration of support before issuance of a ballot measure title and authorizing citizen actions for certain signature gatherer compensation violations;

Sponsors

Prime sponsor: Javier Valdez (D-46)

10 co-sponsors (10 Democrats, 0 Republicans)

Emily Alvarado D-34Mike Chapman D-24Steve Conway D-29Noel Frame D-36Claudia Kauffman D-47T'wina Nobles D-28Jamie Pedersen D-43Derek Stanford D-1Yasmin Trudeau D-27Claire Wilson D-30

Votes

No recorded floor votes.

History

  1. Senate Rules "X" file. (SSB 5973)
  2. Senate Rules "X" file.
  3. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee. (SSB 5973)
  4. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.
  5. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. (SSB 5973)
  6. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
  7. Minority; do not pass. (SSB 5973)
  8. SGTE - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. (SSB 5973)
  9. SGTE - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
  10. Minority; do not pass.
  11. First reading, referred to State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections.
  12. Prefiled for introduction.

SB 5973 in other sessions

Bill numbers restart every two years, so the same number is a different bill in each session.

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