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Senate approves first-substitute SB 4,003 to extend signature deadlines and direct deference to initiatives
Summary
The Senate substituted and passed first-substitute Senate Bill 4,003, which extends the signature-collection period for statewide initiatives by 20 days and directs the Legislature to give statutory deference to citizen initiatives while allowing legislative response for significant fiscal impacts. The measure was announced as passed and sent to the House.
Senators approved a first-substitute version of Senate Bill 4,003 that alters the statewide initiative and referendum process.
Senator Colin Moore explained the substitute, saying it adds time to the signature-collection process for statewide initiatives (an additional 20 days) and requires statutory deference to citizen initiatives while preserving a legislative role where there is a significant fiscal impact. "This bill will add time to that for statewide initiatives only," he said, and described technical language intended to prevent a law from briefly taking effect before a valid referendum effort could be completed.
On the floor, Senator Reedy asked how the term 'deference' would be applied, noting concern that giving 'deference' while reserving legislative determination could conflict. Senator Cullimore answered that deference would be considered on a case-by-case basis and that prior initiative proponents and legislators have worked together to amend initiatives to further their intent.
Senator Riebe said she appreciated the extra days for signature collection but opposed the measure because she found the deference language unclear and raised concerns about legislating without clarity. "I can't get behind the special session or the lack of clarity," she said.
After discussion, the Senate held a roll-call vote on the first substitute. The presiding officer announced the result and declared the measure passed and to be sent to the House for consideration. The transcript records the presiding officer's announcement of the outcome with a clerk statement that is inconsistently transcribed in places; the chamber's record shows the bill was approved on the floor and will be transmitted to the House.
The sponsor and supporters said the statute change is intended to enshrine the people's role in checks on the Legislature while offering a narrowly defined legislative response where fiscal consequences require it.
