Washington 2023-2024 Regular Session Status: Enacted Bipartisan · 4 D · 3 R cosponsors

HB 1272 — Concerning publishing, formatting, and distribution of the state and local voters' pamphlets.

Last action — Effective date 1/1/2025.

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. ✓
    Passed House
  4. ✓
    Passed Senate
  5. ✓
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced January 12, 2023. Enacted.

Odds of enactment

High chance

Based on the sponsor, cosponsors, and committee posture, this bill has a high chance of becoming law.

Upgrade to see the exact probability and what's driving it.

A statistical estimate from our own model of past outcomes — an insight, not a guarantee. Policymaking is volatile.

Prognosis

Likely to advance 98% · high confidence

  • Enacted

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 7 sponsors

    1 primary, 6 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Bipartisan support

    Sponsored across 2 parties (4 D · 3 R) — cross-party backing.

  • Cleared a recorded vote

    Passed 3 recorded votes so far.

Based on stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes, and cross-state momentum — a description of the observable signals, not a prediction.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

33 added · 34 removed

Plain-language change summary

In the latest version of House Bill 1272, the text clarifies that false or misleading statements about a candidate’s opponent can be considered "libel or defamation per se," which means they can be more easily pursued legally. This change allows candidates who feel defamed to take action sooner and streamlines the process for addressing misleading statements in voter pamphlets. This matters because it aims to reduce the potential for harmful misinformation during elections, helping to maintain fair competition among candidates.

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H-0985.1 SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL 1272 State of Washington 68th Legislature 2023 Regular Session By House State Government & Tribal Relations (originally sponsored by Representatives Bergquist, Volz, Reeves, Gregerson, Christian, Riccelli, and Schmidt) READ FIRST TIME 02/02/23.
H-0353.1 HOUSE BILL 1272 State of Washington 68th Legislature 2023 Regular Session By Representatives Bergquist, Volz, Reeves, Gregerson, Christian, Riccelli, and Schmidt Read first time 01/12/23.
Referred to Committee on State Government & Tribal Relations.
1 SHB 1272 form to ((computer bulletin boards)) web based, print, and broadcast news media((, community computer networks,)) and similar services at the cost of reproduction or transmission of the data.
1 HB 1272 form to ((computer bulletin boards)) web based, print, and broadcast news media((, community computer networks,)) and similar services at the cost of reproduction or transmission of the data.
2 SHB 1272 than five years old in a format that the secretary of state determines to be suitable for reproduction in the voters' pamphlet;
2 HB 1272 than five years old in a format that the secretary of state determines to be suitable for reproduction in the voters' pamphlet;
3 SHB 1272 Committees must have the explanatory and fiscal impact statements available before preparing their arguments.
3 HB 1272 Committees must have the explanatory and fiscal impact statements available before preparing their arguments.
4 SHB 1272 (5) The fiscal impact statement prepared under RCW 29A.72.025;
4 HB 1272 (5) The fiscal impact statement prepared under RCW 29A.72.025;
5 SHB 1272 matter that is otherwise prohibited by law from distribution through the mail((,)).
5 HB 1272 matter that is otherwise prohibited by law from distribution through the mail((,)).
(5) A ((candidate's)) statement submitted for inclusion in the voters' pamphlet shall not contain false or misleading statements ((about the candidate's opponent)) that constitute libel or defamation per se.
(5) A ((candidate's)) statement submitted for inclusion in the voters' pamphlet shall not contain false or misleading statements ((about the candidate's opponent)).
6 SHB 1272 (b) The court shall not enter such an order unless it concludes that the statement is untrue and that the petitioner has a very substantial likelihood of prevailing in a defamation action.
6 HB 1272 (b) The court shall not enter such an order unless it concludes that the statement is untrue and that the petitioner has a very substantial likelihood of prevailing in a defamation action.
7 SHB 1272 of a public office.
7 HB 1272 of a public office.
8 SHB 1272 (2) ((If a)) All voters' ((pamphlet is)) pamphlets published by the county ((for a primary or general election, the pamphlet shall be published for)) pursuant to RCW 29A.32.210 must include the elective offices and ballot measures of the county and ((for)) the elective offices and ballot measures of each unit of local government ((located entirely)) within the county which will appear on the ballot at that primary or election.
8 HB 1272 (2) ((If a)) All voters' ((pamphlet is)) pamphlets published by the county ((for a primary or general election, the pamphlet shall be published for)) pursuant to RCW 29A.32.210 must include the elective offices and ballot measures of the county and ((for)) the elective offices and ballot measures of each unit of local government ((located entirely)) within the county which will appear on the ballot at that primary or election.
9 SHB 1272 in the manner required or provided for in subsection (1) of this section.
9 HB 1272 in the manner required or provided for in subsection (1) of this section.
10 SHB 1272 (a) Those about the candidate;
10 HB 1272 (a) Those about the candidate;
11 SHB 1272 (((f))) (g) A list of all student engagement hubs in the county as designated under RCW 29A.40.180((;
11 HB 1272 (((f))) (g) A list of all student engagement hubs in the county as designated under RCW 29A.40.180((;
12 SHB 1272 Sec.
12 HB 1272 Sec.
13 SHB 1272
13 HB 1272
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Action History

  1. Effective date 1/1/2025.

  2. Chapter 78, 2024 Laws.

  3. Governor signed.

  4. Delivered to Governor.

  5. President signed.

  6. Speaker signed.

  7. Passed final passage; yeas, 85; nays, 10; absent, 0; excused, 2.

  8. House concurred in Senate amendments.

  9. Third reading, passed; yeas, 29; nays, 20; absent, 0; excused, 0.

  10. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

  11. Committee amendment(s) adopted with no other amendments.

  12. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

  13. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

  14. Minority; do not pass.

  15. SGE - Majority; do pass with amendment(s).

  16. Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on State Government & Elections at 1:30 PM.

  17. Public hearing in the Senate Committee on State Government & Elections at 8:00 AM.

  18. First reading, referred to State Government & Elections.

  19. Third reading, passed; yeas, 57; nays, 33; absent, 0; excused, 8.

  20. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

  21. Floor amendment(s) adopted.

  22. 2nd substitute bill substituted (APP 23).

  23. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

  24. By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.

  25. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

  26. Minority; do not pass.

  27. APP - Majority; 2nd substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

  28. Executive action taken in the House Committee on Appropriations at 1:30 PM.

  29. Public hearing in the House Committee on Appropriations at 4:00 PM.

  30. Referred to Appropriations.

  31. Minority; without recommendation.

  32. SGOV - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

  33. Executive action taken in the House Committee on State Government & Tribal Relations at 1:30 PM.

  34. Executive session scheduled, but no action was taken in the House Committee on State Government & Tribal Relations at 1:30 PM.

  35. Public hearing in the House Committee on State Government & Tribal Relations at 8:00 AM.

  36. First reading, referred to State Government & Tribal Relations.

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 6 co-sponsors · 144 not signed on · 41 voted No

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (6)

Not signed on (144)

144 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 144 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Votes

Final Passage as Amended by the Senate (#3)

Passed 85 Yea · 10 Nay · 2 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Republican 21701
Democrat 57000
Unaffiliated 7301
Total 851002
% of votes cast 88%10%0%2%
How each member voted (97)
Member Party Vote
Chambers — Yea
Chandler — Not Voting
Cheney — Yea
Chopp — Yea
Hutchins — Yea
Kretz — Nay
Maycumber — Nay
Mosbrucker — Nay
Robertson — Yea
Sandlin — Yea
Wilcox — Yea
Alex Ramel Democrat Yea
Alicia Rule Democrat Yea
Amy Walen Democrat Yea
April Berg Democrat Yea
Beth Doglio Democrat Yea
Bill Ramos Democrat Yea
Brandy Donaghy Democrat Yea
Chipalo Street Democrat Yea
Chris Stearns Democrat Yea
Cindy Ryu Democrat Yea
Clyde Shavers Democrat Yea
Dan Bronoske Democrat Yea
Darya Farivar Democrat Yea
Dave Paul Democrat Yea
David Hackney Democrat Yea
Davina Duerr Democrat Yea
Debra Entenman Democrat Yea
Debra Lekanoff Democrat Yea
Emily Alvarado Democrat Yea
Gerry Pollet Democrat Yea
Greg Nance Democrat Yea
Jake Fey Democrat Yea
Jamila Taylor Democrat Yea
Jessica Bateman Democrat Yea
Joe Fitzgibbon Democrat Yea
Joe Timmons Democrat Yea
Julia Reed Democrat Yea
Julio Cortes Democrat Yea
Kristine Reeves Democrat Yea
Larry Springer Democrat Yea
Lauren Davis Democrat Yea
Laurie Jinkins Democrat Yea
Lillian Ortiz-Self Democrat Yea
Lisa Callan Democrat Yea
Liz Berry Democrat Yea
Marcus Riccelli Democrat Yea
Mari Leavitt Democrat Yea
Mary Fosse Democrat Yea
Melanie Morgan Democrat Yea
Mia Gregerson Democrat Yea
Mike Chapman Democrat Yea
Monica Jurado Stonier Democrat Yea
My-Linh Thai Democrat Yea
Nicole Macri Democrat Yea
Roger Goodman Democrat Yea
Sharlett Mena Democrat Yea
Sharon Tomiko Santos Democrat Yea
Sharon Wylie Democrat Yea
Shelley Kloba Democrat Yea
Steve Bergquist Democrat Yea
Steve Tharinger Democrat Yea
Strom Peterson Democrat Yea
Tana Senn Democrat Yea
Tarra Simmons Democrat Yea
Timm Ormsby Democrat Yea
Tina Orwall Democrat Yea
Vandana Slatter Democrat Yea
Alex Ybarra Republican Nay
Andrew Barkis Republican Yea
April Connors Republican Yea
Carolyn Eslick Republican Yea
Chris Corry Republican Nay
Cyndy Jacobsen Republican Nay
Dan Griffey Republican Yea
Drew Stokesbary Republican Yea
Ed Orcutt Republican Yea
Jenny Graham Republican Yea
Jim Walsh Republican Nay
Joe Schmick Republican Yea
Keith Goehner Republican Yea
Kevin Waters Republican Yea
Leonard Christian Republican Yea
Mark Klicker Republican Yea
Mary Dye Republican Yea
Michelle Valdez Republican Yea
Mike Steele Republican Yea
Mike Volz Republican Yea
Paul Harris Republican Yea
Peter Abbarno Republican Nay
Sam Low Republican Yea
Skyler Rude Republican Yea
Stephanie Barnard Republican Not Voting
Stephanie McClintock Republican Yea
Suzanne Schmidt Republican Yea
Tom Dent Republican Nay
Travis Couture Republican Nay

Official roll call →

3rd Reading & Final Passage as Amended by the Senate (#19)

Passed 29 Yea · 20 Nay
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Unaffiliated 6400
Republican 01600
Democrat 23000
Total 292000
% of votes cast 59%41%0%0%
How each member voted (49)
Member Party Vote
Billig — Yea
Hawkins — Nay
Keiser — Yea
Kuderer — Yea
Mullet — Yea
Padden — Nay
Randall — Yea
Rivers — Nay
Van De Wege — Yea
Wilson, L. — Nay
Annette Cleveland Democrat Yea
Bob Hasegawa Democrat Yea
Claire Wilson Democrat Yea
Claudia Kauffman Democrat Yea
Derek Stanford Democrat Yea
Drew Hansen Democrat Yea
Jamie Pedersen Democrat Yea
Javier Valdez Democrat Yea
Jesse Salomon Democrat Yea
Joe Nguyen Democrat Yea
John Lovick Democrat Yea
June Robinson Democrat Yea
Lisa Wellman Democrat Yea
Liz Lovelett Democrat Yea
Manka Dhingra Democrat Yea
Marko Liias Democrat Yea
Noel Frame Democrat Yea
Rebecca Saldaña Democrat Yea
Sharon Shewmake Democrat Yea
Steve Conway Democrat Yea
T'wina Nobles Democrat Yea
Victoria Hunt Democrat Yea
Yasmin Trudeau Democrat Yea
Chris Gildon Republican Nay
Curtis King Republican Nay
Drew MacEwen Republican Nay
Jeff Holy Republican Nay
Jeff Wilson Republican Nay
Jim McCune Republican Nay
John Braun Republican Nay
Judy Warnick Republican Nay
Keith Wagoner Republican Nay
Mark Schoesler Republican Nay
Matt Boehnke Republican Nay
Nikki Torres Republican Nay
Perry Dozier Republican Nay
Phil Fortunato Republican Nay
Ron Muzzall Republican Nay
Shelly Short Republican Nay

Official roll call →

3rd Reading & Final Passage (#4)

Passed 57 Yea · 33 Nay · 8 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Republican 32700
Democrat 52005
Unaffiliated 2603
Total 573308
% of votes cast 58%34%0%8%
How each member voted (98)
Member Party Vote
Chambers — Not Voting
Chandler — Yea
Cheney — Nay
Chopp — Yea
Hutchins — Nay
Kretz — Nay
Maycumber — Nay
Mosbrucker — Nay
Robertson — Nay
Sandlin — Not Voting
Wilcox — Not Voting
Alex Ramel Democrat Yea
Alicia Rule Democrat Yea
Amy Walen Democrat Yea
April Berg Democrat Yea
Beth Doglio Democrat Yea
Bill Ramos Democrat Yea
Brandy Donaghy Democrat Yea
Chipalo Street Democrat Yea
Chris Stearns Democrat Yea
Cindy Ryu Democrat Yea
Clyde Shavers Democrat Yea
Dan Bronoske Democrat Yea
Darya Farivar Democrat Yea
Dave Paul Democrat Yea
David Hackney Democrat Yea
Davina Duerr Democrat Yea
Debra Entenman Democrat Not Voting
Debra Lekanoff Democrat Not Voting
Emily Alvarado Democrat Yea
Gerry Pollet Democrat Yea
Greg Nance Democrat Yea
Jake Fey Democrat Not Voting
Jamila Taylor Democrat Yea
Jessica Bateman Democrat Yea
Joe Fitzgibbon Democrat Yea
Joe Timmons Democrat Yea
Julia Reed Democrat Yea
Julio Cortes Democrat Yea
Kristine Reeves Democrat Yea
Larry Springer Democrat Yea
Lauren Davis Democrat Not Voting
Laurie Jinkins Democrat Yea
Lillian Ortiz-Self Democrat Yea
Lisa Callan Democrat Yea
Liz Berry Democrat Yea
Marcus Riccelli Democrat Yea
Mari Leavitt Democrat Yea
Mary Fosse Democrat Yea
Melanie Morgan Democrat Yea
Mia Gregerson Democrat Yea
Mike Chapman Democrat Yea
Monica Jurado Stonier Democrat Yea
My-Linh Thai Democrat Yea
Nicole Macri Democrat Not Voting
Roger Goodman Democrat Yea
Sharlett Mena Democrat Yea
Sharon Tomiko Santos Democrat Yea
Sharon Wylie Democrat Yea
Shelley Kloba Democrat Yea
Steve Bergquist Democrat Yea
Steve Tharinger Democrat Yea
Strom Peterson Democrat Yea
Tana Senn Democrat Yea
Tarra Simmons Democrat Yea
Timm Ormsby Democrat Yea
Tina Orwall Democrat Yea
Vandana Slatter Democrat Yea
Alex Ybarra Republican Nay
Andrew Barkis Republican Nay
April Connors Republican Nay
Carolyn Eslick Republican Yea
Chris Corry Republican Nay
Cyndy Jacobsen Republican Nay
Dan Griffey Republican Nay
Drew Stokesbary Republican Nay
Ed Orcutt Republican Nay
Jenny Graham Republican Nay
Jim Walsh Republican Nay
Joe Schmick Republican Nay
Joel McEntire Republican Nay
Keith Goehner Republican Nay
Kevin Waters Republican Nay
Leonard Christian Republican Nay
Mark Klicker Republican Nay
Mary Dye Republican Nay
Michelle Valdez Republican Nay
Mike Steele Republican Nay
Mike Volz Republican Nay
Paul Harris Republican Yea
Peter Abbarno Republican Nay
Sam Low Republican Yea
Skyler Rude Republican Nay
Stephanie Barnard Republican Nay
Stephanie McClintock Republican Nay
Suzanne Schmidt Republican Nay
Tom Dent Republican Nay
Travis Couture Republican Nay

Official roll call →

Subjects

elections
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Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors HB 1272?
HB 1272 is sponsored by Suzanne Schmidt (Republican), Marcus Riccelli (Democrat), Leonard Christian (Republican), Mia Gregerson (Democrat), Kristine Reeves (Democrat), Mike Volz (Republican), and Steve Bergquist (Democrat).
What is the current status of HB 1272?
This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced January 12, 2023. Enacted.
Where can I track HB 1272?
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