MYNORTHWEST NEWS

State lawmakers approve changes to how voter initiatives appear on ballots

Mar 7, 2022, 11:25 AM

I-976, car tabs fees eyman, ballot initiatives...

Tim Eyman advertising for $30 car tabs. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

(AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

A bill looking to change how ballot initiatives are presented to voters has been approved by the state Legislature.

State looks at changes to how ballot initiatives are presented to voters

After it’s signed into law, SHB 1876 will make it so that any ballot initiative that would impact taxes, fees, or “cause a net change in state revenue” will include language that tells voters the exact effect the measure would have if it’s approved.

That would have the description on the ballot, described in SHB 1876 as a “disclosure,” appear in a format emphasizing the direct impact of the initiative, detailing how it would increase or decrease funding for specific services. For initiatives that would affect the state’s general fund, the disclosure will have to list the top three services covered by it in the state budget.

Drafting disclosure statements for ballot initiatives will fall to the state Attorney General’s Office, in consultation with the Office of Financial Management and “other state and local agencies as needed.”

Those who testified in favor of the bill — including the League of Women Voters and the Northwest Progressive Institute — detailed how “information from well-funded campaigns only tell half the story, denying them the opportunity to look at the price tag for ballot measures.” Opposition was led by anti-tax activist Tim Eyman, who claimed it would insert a “biased description” into initiatives “with no judicial oversight.”

Washington weighs significant changes to how (and when) it votes in 2022

Many of Eyman’s own proposed initiatives have come with hefty cuts to state services. Most recently, his proposal to reduce Washington car tab rates to a flat $30 rate would have slashed nearly $2 billion in state revenue over a six-year period, as well as $2.3 billion from local governments. That initiative was approved by voters in 2019, but was later struck down by the state Supreme Court, with justices ruling that Eyman’s ballot title was “deceptive and misleading.”

SHB 1876 was passed by the Legislature last week, and will next go to Gov. Inslee’s desk for a final signature.

MyNorthwest News

belltown hellcat social media...

Frank Sumrall

Infamous ‘Belltown Hellcat’ social media influencer charged with reckless driving

The social media influencer has been accused of driving 107 miles per hour through Belltown in a Dodge Hellcat.

50 minutes ago

KIRO Newsradio gracie awards...

MyNorthwest Staff

KIRO Newsradio anchors receive Gracie Awards for outstanding work

Heather Bosch and Lisa Brooks, anchors at KIRO Newsradio, have been honored by the Alliance for Women in Media with prestigious Gracie Awards.

4 hours ago

Kia Boys...

Kate Stone and Bill Kaczaraba

‘Kia Boyz’ allegedly execute a crime spree in south King County

Renton police chased down a 14-and 16-year-old but are still looking for two other teen suspects in what they said was a "crime spree" in south King County.

5 hours ago

Spanaway woman shot dead...

Kate Stone

Search for shooter continues after woman shot dead while driving in Spanaway

A 47-year-old woman was shot dead in Spanaway, causing her to hit another driver head-on early Wednesday morning.

6 hours ago

nintendo redmond...

Frank Sumrall

Nintendo to lay off 86 Redmond employees this spring

Nintendo of America is laying off 86 contract workers in Redmond, beginning May 25, due to company reorganization.

7 hours ago

Everett boy missing...

Sam Campbell

4-year-old Everett boy missing, police worried he’s in danger

Police and Search and Rescue crews are looking for a missing four-year-old boy they suspect could be in danger.

8 hours ago

State lawmakers approve changes to how voter initiatives appear on ballots