Op-Ed: Patrick Henry said, ‘Give me liberty’; Senate Bill 5925 says ‘Hand over your records’

On March 23, 1775, Patrick Henry famously delivered his “give me liberty or give me death speech” to the Second Virginia Convention.

On Wednesday, the Washington State House of Representatives said, “Meh.”

On March 4, 2026, the House of Representatives spent several hours debating and passing Senate Bill 5925. At first glance, the bill may appear technical or unimportant. Further review, however, reveals something far more profound. The bill grants the Washington Attorney General authority to issue what are known as Civil Investigative Demands while examining potential violations of certain laws. The demands allow the Attorney General’s office to compel documents, written responses, and sworn testimony before a civil lawsuit is even filed.

Supporters describe this as simply providing the tools necessary to investigate possible violations of t...