WASHINGTON STATE INITIATIVE PROCESS

AT ISSUE
While close to 775 initiatives have been filed in our state since the law enabling their use was enacted in 1913, the actual number that have been certified and adopted is much less. However, recent trends have caused an increasing number of lawmakers and organizations to have strong concerns with the initiative process.

TRI CITY LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL POSITION
• Require that a fair or equal percentage of valid signatures on initiatives be obtained from specified areas (e. g. Congressional Districts) in the state.
• Require that initiatives deemed to require increased expenditures identify the revenue sources (taxes, fees, cuts in programs) that are necessary for implementation.
• Require a super majority, for the passage of initiatives deemed to have a fiscal impact.
• Require that independent analyses and information on the financial impacts of initiatives be conducted — similar to legislative fiscal notes.
• Require an independent legal opinion be rendered on the constitutionality of an initiative before it appears on the ballot.
• Require the initiative to include a reasonable cost estimate and funding plan for the initiative’s implementation and ongoing costs.

BACKGROUND
During the last decade, voters approved several initiatives that had major impacts on the fiscal management of state and local governments. I-601 established spending limitations on the state budget. I-695 essentially repealed a previously approved referendum (R-49) and removed a major revenue source for state and local governments. Even though 695 was found to be unconstitutional by the State Supreme Court on the grounds it contained more than one subject, the legislature enacted a statute that mirrored the initiative. I-728 mandated that money be allocated to reduce class sizes in public schools statewide. I-732 established a set formula for increasing the salaries of public school teachers. I-722, approved by the voters in 2000, placed limitations on the growth of property tax revenue, but it faced the same constitutional challenge in the courts that faced by I-695. Several years ago, voters approved a measure to annually raise the minimum wages statewide, using the increase in the Consumer Price Index for the Seattle market as the basis. This has been particularly burdensome to small businesses (e.g. restaurants, agricultural enterprises, etc.).

For more information, contact the Tri Cities Chamber of Commerce.