Washington Votes Forum

This past week Lawmakers in Olympia passed a flurry of bills ahead of the first major cutoff of this Legislative Session. Over the next several days we will highlight some of these bills, let us know what you think of them. First-up: ESSB 5124 , which passed the Senate by a vote of 26 to 23 , would require...

Should the state cancel the Presidential Primary in 2012? Lawmakers are holding a public hearing this morning on HB 1324 , which would cancel the state's 2012 Presidential Primary. If approved by the Legislature, this bill would expire in 2013.

Is it a good idea to allow school students, 14 years old and over, to vote for the elected school board? SB 5621 , which was introduced by Senator Scott White , would allow any student that is over the age of 14 to vote in an election for the school board where they attend. Let us know what you think...

This week TVW and Washington Secretary of State released a video voters' guide. The guide features statements from candidates for the United States Senate and the Washington State Supreme Court, Positions 1,5 & 6. Click here to watch the video guide . After the August Primary vote, TVW will provide...

In the wake of SB 6130, which would repeal voter protections in Initiative 960, Washington Policy Center today announced it will publish the public disclosure information that would have appeared in the voters’ pamphlet if Initiative 960 had remained in place. Click here to read the full release...

The House has introduce HB 3183 entitled the economic crisis revenue bill. HB 3183 would increase the state's sales tax by 1%. What do you think?

SB 6843, which was adopted only yesterday by the Senate, would have retained the transparency provisions of the Taxpayer Protection Act (I-960). However, those voting in favor of the bill didn't know they were preserving the transparency provision requirements so the Senate plans to revote and remove...

Senate passes SB 6843. The Senate voted to "temporarily" suspend the 2/3 vote requirements for tax increases enacted multiple times by voters. The vote was 26 to 23. The full Senate adopted an amendment that limited its changes to only the 2/3 vote restriction. Next up for the proposal is debate...

SB 6843, which would eliminate the 2/3 vote requirement to increase taxes, was introduced today in the Senate. In addition to removing the 2/3 requirement, SB 6843 would also eleminate the requirement for the state to provide the 10 year fiscal impact statement and other provisions adopted through I...

Bill of the Day: HB 2816 would allow local jurisdictions to create a street maintenance utility (SMU). The SMU would establish user fees for the purpose of street preservation and maintenance. However, some see this as a way to increase taxes without a vote of the people. What do you think?