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Bill

SB 5047

Establishing protections for citizens participating in the initiative and referendum process.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Matt Boehnke and 9 co-sponsors

SB 5047 creates a 25-foot no-protest buffer around people collecting or signing initiative petitions, making protests within that zone a violation under RCW 29A.84.

By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
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Bill Summary · SB 5047

Summary of SB 5047 — Protections for Citizens Participating in the Initiative and Referendum Process

Overview

  • Bill number/title: SB 5047, “Establishing protections for citizens participating in the initiative and referendum process”
  • Sponsor/Introduced: Senators J. Wilson, McCune, Christian, Wagoner, Holy, Dozier, Torres, Boehnke, Fortunato, and Short
  • Status: First reading; referred to State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections
  • Introduced / Prefiled: Prefiled December 13, 2024; Read first time January 13, 2025
  • Legislative basis: Adds a new section to RCW Chapter 29A.84

Purpose and intent

The bill aims to protect individuals involved in collecting signatures for initiative or referendum petitions and those signing such petitions by limiting public protests within a defined distance. The goal is to reduce intimidation or disruption during the petition process.

Key provisions

  • New provision (RCW addition): A new section to RCW 29A.84 establishes a 25-foot no-protest buffer around:
    • Any person collecting signatures for an initiative or referendum petition, and
    • Any person signing or attempting to sign an initiative or referendum petition.
  • Prohibition scope: No person may publicly protest within 25 feet of the covered individuals.
  • Enforcement: A violation of this buffer provision is considered a violation of RCW 29A.84.250(4) (i.e., it would carry the penalties specified in that section).

Who and what is affected

  • Affected parties: People collecting signatures, individuals signing or attempting to sign petitions, protest organizers, and the general public.
  • Impact on activity: Creates a protected buffer zone around petition-related activity, potentially reducing direct confrontations or disruptive protests near signature collection sites.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Current step: First reading; referral to Committee on State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections.
  • Next steps (if advanced): The bill would proceed through committee consideration, potential amendments, and, if approved, full chamber votes and then reconciliation with any House version.

Potential considerations

  • The measure balances protecting petition participants from intimidation with public protest and free expression rights. If enacted, it would introduce enforceable distance restrictions tied to penalties under the existing RCW framework. Details on enforcement mechanisms, exceptions (e.g., emergency situations, permitted demonstrations), and penalties would be defined by RCW 29A.84.250(4) and related statutes.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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