Concerning city initiatives and referendums.

HB 2195 requires noncharter code cities in Washington with 30,000 or more residents to implement initiative and referendum processes within one year of reaching that population threshold. Cities with fewer than 30,000 residents may choose to adopt these processes through specific municipal procedures. The bill standardizes petition requirements to 25% of votes cast in the last citywide election (or city council election if no citywide race exists) and clarifies that certain emergency ordinances may bypass the standard 30-day waiting period before taking effect. These changes apply to all noncharter cities and amend multiple statutes governing local ballot measures.