Lawmakers Flag Duplicate, Fraudulent Sign-Ins for Washington Millionaires Tax Hearing

Concerns raised over integrity of public participation process as debate continues on proposed tax bill

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Washington lawmakers say more than 1,900 duplicate records and over 200 potentially fraudulent sign-ins were found in public testimony on a proposed millionaires tax bill, prompting concerns about the integrity of the public participation process. Both supporters and opponents testified during a lengthy House Finance Committee hearing, raising issues around economic impacts and funding for public services. Lawmakers signaled possible revisions to the bill as negotiations continue, including potential tax reductions.

Why it matters

The allegations of fraud and impersonation in Washington's public comment system have called into question the legitimacy of the public participation process on this divisive tax proposal. Lawmakers from both parties have expressed concerns, and the situation could impact how the final bill is shaped through ongoing negotiations.

The details

During the House Finance Committee hearing, Committee Chair Rep. April Berg informed members and the public that an initial review found over 1,900 duplicate records and over 200 people who were fraudulently signed on to the bill without their knowledge. Rep. Ed Orcutt also addressed the matter, saying lawmakers are "concerned that some people have taken advantage of the system" and that they will work to ensure the system is as secure as possible going forward.

  • The House Finance Committee hearing on the proposed millionaires tax bill took place on February 25, 2026.

The players

Rep. April Berg

Chair of the Washington House Finance Committee who opened the hearing by informing attendees of the issues with duplicate and fraudulent sign-ins.

Rep. Ed Orcutt

Washington state lawmaker who expressed concerns about people taking advantage of the public comment system and said they will work to ensure the system is more secure.

Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon

Washington state House majority leader who indicated that additional tax reductions may be considered as part of ongoing negotiations on the bill.

Sen. Drew Macewen

Washington state Republican leader who reiterated his party's opposition to the proposed millionaires tax.

April Sims

President of the Washington State Labor Council who testified in support of the tax proposal, arguing the state's tax system is "broken" and "a century old artifact".

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What they’re saying

“Initial review indicates there is over 1900 duplicate records and over 200 people have been fraudulently signed on the bill without their knowledge. This fraud has called into question many of the sign ons on this bill.”

— Rep. April Berg, Chair, Washington House Finance Committee (fox13seattle.com)

“We're concerned that some people have taken advantage of the system, we are going to work with the majority party and our staff to make sure our system is as secure as possible.”

— Rep. Ed Orcutt, Washington State Lawmaker (fox13seattle.com)

“We expect the number of tax reductions in the bill to increase.”

— Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, Washington House Majority Leader (fox13seattle.com)

“Look the majority party doesn't want to face the music that this is unpopular across our state.”

— Sen. Drew Macewen, Washington State Republican Leader (fox13seattle.com)

“Our tax system is broken, it's a century old artifact.”

— April Sims, President, Washington State Labor Council (fox13seattle.com)

What’s next

Lawmakers indicated they will work with staff to investigate the scope of the issues with duplicate and fraudulent sign-ins, and said the situation could lead to revisions to the proposed millionaires tax bill as negotiations continue.

The takeaway

The allegations of fraud and manipulation in the public comment process on this divisive tax proposal have raised serious concerns about the integrity of the democratic process. Lawmakers from both parties have pledged to address the issues, but the situation highlights the challenges of ensuring fair and transparent public participation, especially on high-stakes policy debates.