Foes called it the 'initiative killer.' Now it's dead in the WA Legislature
Democratic state senators’ pursuit of new barriers to Washington’s initiative process ended quietly Tuesday.
Senate Bill 5973, dubbed the “initiative-killer” by opponents, lapsed when it did not get passed by a 5 p.m. deadline for action on non-budget bills.
Sen. Javier Valdez, D-Seattle, the bill’s prime sponsor, and Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle, each cited unresolved concerns from many corners, including other senators and Gov. Bob Ferguson, as the reason for the controversial legislation’s demise.
“Obviously, I’m disappointed. I’m trying to remain positive,” Valdez said. “I’m encouraged that a lot of them still wanted to have the discussion. We’ll roll up our sleeves in the interim and hope to bring back another version in 2027.”
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/02/17/foes-called-it-the-initiative-killer-now-its-dead-in-the-wa-legislature/