Washington: Politicians seek more restrictions
Critics on Wednesday weighed in on a measure aimed at tightening regulations on signature-gathering, saying it would make it harder for grassroots initiatives to make the ballot and would target signature gatherers for harassment from opponents. The bill, proposed by Rep. Chris Reykdal, D-Tumwater, requires all signature-gathering businesses and paid signature gatherers to register with the Secretary of State. It also increases the fee for filing initiatives or referenda from $5 to $500, $450 of which would be refunded if the measure qualifies for the ballot.