The Washington Senate has voted to make the names and addresses of those who sign initiative and referendum petitions public records, weighing in on a case that’s currently at the U.S. Supreme Court.
Monday’s bill, which was approved 28-20, comes in response to the controversy surrounding 2009′s Referendum 71.
Domestic partnership supporters asked the state to release the 138,000 signatures that were filed to get the referendum on the ballot. But R-71′s sponsors said releasing the names would put those people at risk of harassment and retaliation.
The U.S. Supreme Court decided in October to temporarily block the release of the signatures until the case has a full hearing.
The bill approved by senators now heads to the state House.
Meanwhile, businesses and paid workers who circulate initiative petitions would have to register with the state and get a mug shot taken, under a measure approved by the state Senate.
Under the bill, paid signature gatherers and business would have to prove to the state Public Disclosure Commission that they understand state law and have not been convicted of fraud or election offenses in the past five years. Volunteer signature gatherers would not need to register.
The bill was approved on a 30-18 vote and now heads to the House. (AP)
