2026 WA state legislative session 1/12 - 3/12
Should we lower penalties for child predators?
Should we require WA lawmakers to gather signatures from the public before proposing a bill?
Should we require WA lawmakers to gather signatures from the public before proposing a bill?
WA SB5212 significantly lowers penalties for child predators caught in sting operations conducted by undercover LEOs.
Should we require WA lawmakers to gather signatures from the public before proposing a bill?
Should we require WA lawmakers to gather signatures from the public before proposing a bill?
Should we require WA lawmakers to gather signatures from the public before proposing a bill?
WA HB 2591 asserts that a 1,000-signature pre-filing requirement would streamline legislation by filtering out proposals by Washington state legislators that lack minimal public support.
By reducing low-support or strategic filings, HB 2591 helps lawmakers focus time and resources on proposals with meaningful public backing.
Should we make it harder to run citizen led initiatives in WA state?
Should we require WA lawmakers to gather signatures from the public before proposing a bill?
Should we make it harder to run citizen led initiatives in WA state?
The anti-Democracy WA SB 5963 requires citizens to obtain 1,000 preliminary supporter signatures before they are even allowed to begin the formal process of qualifying an initiative for the ballot.
It also restricts current laws allowing signature gatherers to be paid for the amount of signatures that they gather.
WA SB5312
Lowering Penalties for Child Predators
Overview of WA Senate Bill 5312
Washington Senate Bill 5312 addresses convictions arising from so-called “net nanny” operations—undercover law enforcement sting operations in which officers pose online as minors to identify adults who solicit or attempt to engage in sexual activity with a child, even when no real minor is involved.
The bill would reduce long-standing sex offender registration and supervision requirements for certain individuals convicted in these cases. Specifically, SB 5312 allows a person convicted of a qualifying offense involving a fictitious minor, and who has no prior sex offense or kidnapping convictions indicating predatory behavior, to end their sex offender registration obligation after five consecutive years in the community without a new disqualifying conviction. Under current law, registration often lasts far longer, and in some cases is effectively lifetime.
In addition, the bill would limit community supervision for individuals who received indeterminate sentences related to these offenses. Instead of remaining under supervision until the maximum sentence expires, eligible individuals would be supervised for no more than three years following release.
Legislative purpose and intent
The legislature states that the intent of SB 5312 is to better distinguish between offenses involving real victims and those arising from sting operations involving fictitious minors. Supporters argue that existing laws impose severe, long-term consequences that may not accurately reflect risk or support rehabilitation when no actual child was harmed.
However, critics contend that the bill minimizes the seriousness of demonstrated intent to commit sexual crimes against minors, regardless of whether a real child was involved. They argue that reducing registration and supervision requirements may weaken deterrence, limit public awareness, and reduce safeguards designed to protect communities.
Effective date.
If enacted, SB 5312 would take effect 90 days after the adjournment of the legislative session in which it is passed.
WA HB2591
Streamlining Legislation by Filtering Proposals
Overview of WA House Bill 2591
Washington House Bill 2591 proposes a new pre-filing requirement for legislation sponsored by state lawmakers. Under the bill, a legislator would be required to gather at least 1,000 signatures from registered Washington voters in support of a proposed bill before the legislation may be formally filed with the Office of the Code Reviser.
The intent of HB 2591 is to introduce a minimal threshold of demonstrated public support at the earliest stage of the legislative process. Supporters argue that this requirement would help ensure that bills moving forward reflect genuine constituent interest rather than serving as procedural tools, messaging vehicles, or title-testing exercises.
By filtering out proposals that lack basic public backing, the bill aims to streamline the legislative process, reduce confusion caused by symbolic or strategic filings, and allow lawmakers to focus their time and resources on proposals with broader relevance and support.
Legislative purpose and intent
The legislature notes that Washington already imposes structured requirements on citizen-led initiatives and that other states require various forms of vetting or drafting review before legislation may be formally introduced. HB 2591 is presented as a way to align legislator-sponsored bills more closely with public engagement, encourage early dialogue between lawmakers and constituents, and improve transparency in how legislation originates.
Supporters view the bill as a modest accountability measure that reinforces representative democracy by requiring legislators to demonstrate constituent interest before advancing policy proposals through the formal legislative process.
Effective date
If enacted, HB 2591 would take effect 90 days after the adjournment of the legislative session in which it is passed, unless otherwise specified.
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Amend Washington States Constitutional Recall Laws
PETITION: WA State Residents Deserve More Power to Recall Elected Officials
To: Members of the Washington State Legislature
Subject: Introduce legislation to amend Article I, Section 33 of the Washington State Constitution
We, the undersigned citizens and taxpayers of Washington State, call on our elected representatives to uphold the principles of democracy, accountability, and transparency by amending Article I, Section 33 of the Washington State Constitution to expand the grounds for recalling elected officials.
Current Problem:
Washington’s recall law is one of the most restrictive in the nation. As it stands, elected officials can only be recalled for specific acts of malfeasance or legal violations, which are difficult to prove and limited in scope.
By contrast, states like California and Colorado give citizens more flexibility to hold their elected leaders accountable through broad-based recall provisions. Washingtonians deserve the same power to take action when trust is broken — whether due to gross incompetence, failure to represent constituents, or abuse of executive authority.
Our Request:
We respectfully urge the legislature to introduce and pass a constitutional amendment that allows for expanded grounds for recall. These should include, but not be limited to:
- Neglect of duty
- Gross mismanagement of state resources
- Repeated violation of public trust
- Executive overreach or failure to uphold constitutional responsibilities
- Demonstrated contempt for the will of the people
This reform would not only align Washington with other democratic states, but also send a clear message that no official is above accountability.
Why It Matters:
In a healthy democracy, the people are the ultimate check on power. Expanding the recall process ensures that voters are not trapped under unfit or unresponsive leadership until the next scheduled election.
Let’s bring balance back to Washington politics. Let’s empower the people. Let’s fix Article I, Section 33.
