H.B. 242: Initiative and Referendum Signature Gathering and Removal Amendments

About this bill

Signed by the governor on March 7, 2026. This bill addresses petition signature gathering and removal.

• Requires an individual who gathers a statement requesting removal of a petition signer's signature to be at least 18 years old
• Beginning on May 6, 2026, requires a paid signature removal statement gatherer to: display a badge disclosing certain information while gathering the statement; and verify, on the statement, certain information about the individual who signs the statement
• Beginning on May 6, 2026, requires a signature removal statement, if collected by a paid gatherer, to include a notice that removing the signer's signature may prevent the initiative or referendum from appearing on the ballot
• Prohibits a person from paying a person to gather a signature removal statement unless the payment is based on an hourly rate
• Prohibits a person from using an initiative or referendum petition signer's email address for any non-petition related purpose
• Prohibits a voter from submitting a signature removal statement by mail using prepaid postage

Full bill page: steps, fiscal note and sponsors · Chief sponsor Karen M. Peterson